The key factor that probably constrained confidence was the 4 per cent jump in petrol prices in the last week before the survey.

Confidence is steadily improving from the lows of the second half of 2005. Relatively stable petrol prices and continuing good news on the interest rate front have settled consumers.

The sharp fall in confidence does provide a warning signal that there are ongoing concerns with Australian consumers,

We've now got synchronized monetary policy everywhere in the world. It's a sign of confidence in the economic recovery.

The board of directors has great confidence in them (the internal auditors). We work closely with them to monitor activities and what they do.

Rob is our No. 1, but we have great confidence in either one of them.