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] Australia has gone national with a similar superannuation plan that J.P. Morgan reports has led that nation to have the fourth largest retirement system in the world, and projected to be second by 2031, while ranking only 55th in population. Democracy Journal
• [New] The Australian Alps are considered to be the canary in the coal mine in terms of climate impacts across the alpine tourism sector globally, as well as one of Australia's most at risk regions in regards to climate change. Mirage News
• [New] By continuing to support renewable energy like wind and solar, Australia can continue the shift away from fossil fuels like coal, oil and gas, and aim for net zero emissions by 2035. Mirage News
• [New] Successful development will probably catalyze similar large-scale autonomous vessel programs among Pacific allies (Japan, Australia) and accelerate Chinese counter-development of comparable systems, intensifying unmanned maritime competition in contested waters. Drone Warfare
• [New] Asia Pacific is expected to witness the fastest growth over the forecast period, supported by rapid urbanization, rising electricity demand, and expanding renewable installations in China, India, Japan, and Australia. EIN Presswire
• [New] The Australian government's critical minerals supply initiatives exemplify how nations are developing strategic responses to supply chain vulnerabilities through targeted investment and international partnerships. Discovery Alert
• [New] 2026 will be the year the convergence between cross-border payments into the domestic rails in Australia takes hold, enabling payments to be sent into Australia near-real time. ANZ Institutional Insights
• [New] In Australia, all eyes will be on the RBA, with high levels of speculation as to where interest rates will be heading in 2026. Financial Foundations Australia
• [New] Ranking #2 in Asia Pacific, AI is a top three risk and biggest riser in Australia, China, Hong Kong, India, Malaysia, and Singapore, economies which are in the top 50% in terms of AI readiness. Asia Insurance Review
• [New] AI creates emerging risks as well as new business opportunities Ranking #2 in Asia Pacific, AI is a top three risk and biggest riser in Australia, China, Hong Kong, India, Malaysia, and Singapore, economies which are in the top 50% in terms of AI readiness. The Bruneian
• [New] Cyber risks the biggest concern for companies Cyber incidents is the top risk in Asia Pacific, and a top three risk in Australia, Hong Kong, India, Japan, Singapore, South Korea, and Thailand. The Bruneian
• [New] Lamb production is expected to fall 1% to 607,000 million tonnes in 2026 after a 3% reduction in 2025. / Australia Beef Central
• [New] High cattle inventories will maintain elevated Australian beef production, while sheepmeat production takes time to recover. Beef Central
• [New] The future is an unhappy picture of great power competition and serious risk for Australia ... Australia is on notice, just like the rest of the world. Defence Connect
• [New] Seven Australian universities are to share A$ 20 million in defence research funding, while a further A$20m will go to private companies. Research Professional News
• [New] Australia, among the world's leading producers of critical minerals, has been developing a strategic reserve to mitigate supply chain vulnerabilities which it plans to make available to allies. Australian Broadcasting Corporation
• [New] Australian rare earth miners have enjoyed a strong day's trade ahead of the G7 talks in Washington where the future supply and distribution of critical minerals will be one of the central points of discussion. Australian Broadcasting Corporation
• [New] Australia is ageing - but not in the way many people expect. Adaptive Equipment
• [New] China's desire to buy what Australia excels at producing, as well as the ability of Australian exporters and Chinese importers to mitigate risks, means there is little reason to imagine that China's status as Australia's most important economic partner will diminish in the foreseeable future. The Conversation
• [New] With the right reforms, we can turn today's bottlenecks into an opportunity for Australia, keeping valuable materials in circulation, supporting local jobs and giving consumers confidence that the packaging they see on shelves has been designed for a circular economy. ProPack
• [New] South Australia has secured federal funding to fast-track wind, solar and battery projects, keeping it on track for 100% net renewable electricity by 2027. We Mean Business Coalition
• [New] On Monday, Australia said it will prioritize antimony, gallium and rare earth elements as part of its own A$ 1.2 billion ($802 million) strategic reserve. Mine Wire Media Group

Last updated: 23 January 2026