Global Scans · Australia · Weekly Summary

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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 possible threat of Australia being involved in military conflict with another country was rated seventh in seriousness, with 64% of respondents assessing it as either a major threat or a moderate threat. National Security College
• [New] Investors anticipate steady Reserve Bank of Australia rates at 3.6% through 2026, with U.S. indices closing higher on Friday-S&P 500 up 0.19% to 6,870.40-for their fourth winning session. GeopoliticsUnplugged Substack
• [New] By unanimously voting to abandon a 2050 net zero target, party members fired the first shot in a rebellion against the green agenda, declaring that cheap and reliable power must come before climate ideology. / Australia Clintel
• [New] Australian children held in increasingly militarised displacement camps in north-east Syria have been told they will be shot if they try to breach the fence line, as Australia refuses to issue its citizens with passports so they can be repatriated. The Guardian
• [New] Flood-prone homes in Australia are, in total, worth $42.2 billion AUD (€23.83 billion) less than what they could have been if it were not for growing flood risks. Yahoo News UK
• [New] Australian small and mid-sized businesses lose an average of $209,000 in unrealised revenue each year because of inefficiencies, manual processes and missed opportunities. The Sydney Morning Herald
• [New] The Australian and New Zealand Institute of Insurance and Finance has launched a 2026 Insurance Brokers Compliance Update short course, targeting insurance brokers operating under evolving regulatory expectations in Australia. Insurance Business
• [New] A 44-year-old West Australian man has been jailed for more than seven years for using evil twin Wi-Fi networks to capture personal data and infiltrate online accounts, in a case that highlights cyber risks for individuals and organizations using public connectivity. Insurance Business
• [New] Sea surface temperatures for December to February are forecast to be warmer than average across much of the globe, including around Australia. Mirage News
• [New] Australia and Nauru are both parties to the refugees convention, which imposes a non-refoulement obligation: states cannot return a refugee to a place where they are at risk of irreparable harm, including persecution or torture. The Guardian
• [New] Climate change means less frequent and more unpredictable rainfall for Australia. The Conversation
• [New] Australia needs 10-20 times more energy storage of all kinds by 2050 to meet its net zero emissions target. Australian Broadcasting Corporation
• [New] Critics of the Australian model note its complexity, the burden of mandatory contributions on small businesses, and the fact that individuals bear all investment risk in a defined-contribution structure. Yahoo Finance
• [New] Virgin Australia plans to use AI for customer service, flight operations, and personalized travel experiences, while Wesfarmers will deploy AI across its retail and industrial divisions. HUMAI
• [New] The Reserve Bank of Australia has left the official cash rate on hold at 3.6%, and interest rates are expected to remain on hold at 3.6% through 2026. / Australia Inspirepreneur Magazine
• [New] Insurers across Australia are deploying on-the-ground teams in storm-hit communities as severe thunderstorms and hail across Queensland and New South Wales drive rising claims and test 2025-26 natural peril programs. Insurance Business
• [New] Australia is seriously underprepared for any conflict in the Pacific, a security expert has warned, as a Chinese flotilla continues toward Australian waters and Beijing speaks openly about resolving the Taiwan Question. Sky News Australia
• [New] Australia was already the second-largest destination for investment in data centers last year, attracting $10 billion - with forecasts that the massive computing farms could make up 6% of all electricity demand by the end of this decade. Australian Broadcasting Corporation
• [New] While testing rates for respiratory infections have risen dramatically in recent years due to easier access, Australian case numbers for all respiratory virus infections, including HMPV, remain within the expected seasonal range. NewsGP
• [New] The U.S., Canada, and Australia will continue as the main source of cereals for world markets, but increasingly they will be joined in a subsidiary role by Europe/FSU. PubMed Central (PMC)
• [New] Commodity-linked currencies such as the Australian Dollar, Canadian Dollar, and Norwegian Krone face some unique opportunities in 2025. Fusion Markets | Low Cost Forex Broker
• [New] Europe, Latin America, Africa, and Australia announced huge electrolysis capacity targets for 2030. Market Research Company - Blackridge Research & Consult
• [New] While the 2025-26 Budget papers show more than 2,000 new homes will be added next financial year, there is no ongoing pipeline. / Australia A deep dive on the 2025 Victorian Budget | VCOSS

Last updated: 12 December 2025