Global Scans · Australia · Weekly Summary

WHAT'S NEXT?: Australia will no longer be known for being as dependant on the export of natural resources over the next half century as in 2012. The need for new infrastructure to meet the strong population and economic growth of Australia will continue to be a priority for the medium term. There's no doubt the aftermath of China's credit boom poses a much bigger economic threat to Australia than Britain's withdrawal from the European Union. The Growth rate for Australia is expected to be stronger, although still below the long-term trend.

• [New] While headline inflation will fall back to target over the following year, trimmed mean inflation is forecast to remain above 3.0 %yr until end-2027 and only settle in the middle of the target range in late-2028, having peaked at 4.0 %yr at end-2026. / Australia Westpac IQ
• [New] A consequence of elevated refining margins globally, annual Australian consumer inflation is now expected to peak around 6 %yr in mid-Q2. Westpac IQ
• [New] COP 31 will take place in Antalya, Turkey, under an unusual dual-presidency arrangement: Turkey will host and lead politically, while Australia presides over negotiations and holds a pre-COP in the Pacific. EN Integrity Next
• [New] Eligible customers who take up the discounted finance offering from Volkswagen Financial Services Australia could save up to 1.0% on standard loan rates for eligible EVs, with 0.5% from the CEFC and 0.5% from VWFS. Clean Energy Finance Corporation
• [New] Warmer-than-average sea surface temperatures are forecast for much of the Australian region especially around the southern coasts. Mirage News
• [New] Property prices in Australia could climb by an average of 7.7% in 2026. Zippy Financial
• [New] Expectations for human-AI collaboration: East Asia anticipates AI agents leading projects, Australia favors human-directed AI, and North America leans toward peer-to-peer human-AI collaboration. KPMG
• [New] In Australia, growth in non-bank lending had been strong and had the potential to result in increased loan losses in the future. Reserve Bank of Australia
• [New] The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) had activated limits on high debt-to-income lending to protect against a material build-up of vulnerabilities. Reserve Bank of Australia
• [New] North Korea, India (developing BrahMos II with Russia, targeting Mach 7), Japan (the HVGP, expected in service by 2026), France, Australia, and Iran are all pursuing hypersonic programs at various stages of maturity. Unteachable Courses | Long-Form Audio Courses on Scienc
• [New] This month, the Australian government quadrupled the size of its Heard Island and McDonald Islands Marine Reserve, a move that will help protect Antarctic marine life. Conservation International
• [New] The Middle East Premium is no longer just a logistical cost; it is now a permanent risk factor that will likely lead to long-term reshoring of aluminum production to North America and Australia. FinancialContent
• [New] The supply shock poses a risk to inflation and longer term inflation expectations at a time when there are ongoing capacity pressures in Australia and several other advanced economies. Reserve Bank of Australia
• [New] Australia has a major opportunity to strengthen its energy resilience through a national strategy for data center development. Charlton Media Group
• [New] Cybersecurity investment in Australia is continuing to accelerate, with new forecasts indicating that spending will exceed AU$ 7.5 billion in 2026, reflecting growing concern around cyber threats and the increasing importance of digital resilience across organizations. Nineteen Group
• [New] Almost all Australian exports of manufactured goods and mineral resources will face zero import tariffs into the European Union. CNBC
• [New] Heat-related deaths are projected to more than quadruple in major Australian cities, a risk which is particularly inflated for transport, construction, agriculture and emergency services workers. Mondaq
• [New] Australia is projected to retain its position as the largest lithium producer by mined volume, especially from its hard-rock spodumene mines in Western Australia. Farmonaut
• [New] Australia is expected to retain the largest producer position thanks to ongoing expansion, rapid scale-up, and strategic investments in downstream processing. Farmonaut
• [New] Dedicated renewable capacity to hydrogen production projected to reach around 50 GW by 2027 highlights how renewable build-out is increasingly aligned with hydrogen needs, particularly in China, the U.S., Chile, and Australia. MarkNtel Advisors
• [New] Australia, ranked among the leading environments in the Henley Opportunity Index 2026, offers globally recognized universities, strong earning potential, and a highly integrated innovation ecosystem. Henley & Partners
• [New] The increased volume, up from 3 million trays last year as more orchards produce commercial volumes of fruit, will see consumers in Australia, Vietnam and Canada able to enjoy the sweet berry-like taste of Zespri's RubyRed kiwifruit for the first time. Produce Report
• [New] The increased volume, up from three million trays last year as more orchards produce commercial volumes of fruit, will see consumers in Australia, Vietnam and Canada able to enjoy the sweet berry-like taste of Zespri's RubyRed Kiwifruit for the first time. Rural News Group

Last updated: 03 April 2026