Opposition Leader Tony Abbott believes that if the central bank cuts the cash rate it will be because the government's policies have failed to boost the economy.
Financial markets are widely tipping the Reserve Bank of Australia to cut the cash rate to a fresh all-time low of 2.5 per cent from 2.75 per cent when its board meets on Tuesday.
Mr Abbott says lower interest rates are helpful when the economy is "flat-lining".
"But you have to appreciate that if there is a cut tomorrow, that won't be some kind of win for the government, it will be the result of the fact that the Reserve Bank judged that our economy needs a boost," Mr Abbott told reporters in Brisbane.
"It is not getting a boost from the policies of this government."
New data showed retail spending was virtually unchanged at $21.82 billion in June from the previous month, when economists had forecast a 0.4 per cent rise.
Shadow treasurer Joe Hockey says the economy continues to head in the wrong direction.
"The only way you are going to get business and consumer confidence back, the only way you are going to retail back, is to have a real change at the next election and get rid of a lousy government," Mr Hockey said.
"If the Reserve Bank tomorrow cuts interest rates, it's not because the economy is doing well, it's because the economy is deteriorating."
