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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] The 2026 plan comes paired with an updated Integrated Investment Program, with $425 billion in capability investment through 2035-36 and new funding hikes meant to speed up procurement in a more volatile world. / Australia OkDiario
  • [New] Australia plans to invest a record A$ 425 billion (US$ 307 billion) over the next decade to modernise its defence force. Asian Military Review
  • [New] Australia will have a world-leading maritime autonomous systems capability, with three unique systems designed and built in Australia. APDR
  • [New] The first three vessels will be built in Japan, but production of the next eight frigates will shift to the Henderson shipyard in Perth, Western Australia, where they will be constructed by Australian firm Austal. Islands Business
  • [New] The Australian Government is closely monitoring global developments and will adjust settings as required to ensure Australia's migration system remains orderly, fair and sustainable. Ministers for the Department of Home Affairs Website
  • [New] IOD (Indian Ocean Dipole): A positive IOD phase developing in tandem with El Nino (forecast for June/July 2026) will amplify drought in Indonesia and Australia. Through my Asian lens
  • [New] In Australia, the impending El Nino event and fertilizer shortages will likely drop wheat production even further. MarketsFarm
  • [New] Super-K flu became the dominant strain during the northern hemisphere winter, and while influenza activity remained low in Australia, it was expected to rise. SBS News
  • [New] The forecast for rail infrastructure investment in Australia indicates a steady increase in allocation from 2024 to 2028, starting at 373.94 USD per inhabitant in 2024 and rising to 432.61 USD per inhabitant by 2028. Reportlinker
  • [New] Australia has a significant opportunity to benefit from datacenter investment, through new businesses and jobs. The Guardian
  • [New] Trachoma is the world's leading infectious cause of blindness, but now no longer presents a threat in Australia. Positive News
  • [New] Australia will strengthen its space and cyber capabilities to support ISR and resilient communications. Asian Military Review
  • [New] Global production is forecast at 180-190 mt in 2025-26, with Australian output upgraded to around 4.0 million tonnes. Westpac IQ
  • [New] Australian production rose to around 36 mt, but ABARES expects output to fall to around 33 mt in 2026-27. Westpac IQ
  • [New] Commonwealth funding for public hospitals will reach a record $219.6 billion from 2026-27 to 2030-31, with $25 billion in additional funding committed and a further $1.8 billion allocated in the 2025-26 Federal Budget. / Australia openpr
  • [New] Australia's 2026 National Defence Strategy has confirmed plans to invest $7.8 to $11 billion over the decade to sustain and update the Royal Australian Navy's Collins Class submarine fleet into the 2040s. Diplomatist
  • [New] Policy-wise, countries are moving to ban social media for children, with Australia leading the charge to mitigate risks like cyberbullying and addiction. Coaio Limited
  • [New] May to July looks like rainfall will likely be below average for much of eastern Australia. The Guardian
  • [New] Australia will continue working with international partners to help secure the supplies we need - including diesel, petrol and fertiliser - and ensure Australia is prioritised as a reliable energy partner. CP24
  • [New] Australia will invest $425 billion in defence for the next 10 years. Global Defense Corp
  • [New] Australia has an enormous opportunity to translate AI into real economic growth and societal benefit. The Sydney Morning Herald
  • [New] Asia-Pacific is expected to witness the fastest growth during the forecast period, supported by aggressive government initiatives for maritime domain awareness and rapid adoption of autonomous survey tools in China, Japan, and Australia. Yahoo Finance UK

Last updated: 08 May 2026



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