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] Ag 2050 next steps - scenarios to decisions identifies the near-term decisions, uncertainties and practical actions that will shape Australian agriculture in the coming years in the areas of sovereign security, resilience, trusted sustainability reporting and agricultural innovation. Mirage News
• [New] HDR's architecture practice in Australia has identified seven megatrends expected to shape the built environment in 2026, reflecting a shift toward sustainability, adaptive reuse, digital integration and holistic urban thinking. Melbourne Build Expo 2025
• [New] At Logicalis, we believe data sovereignty, security and responsible AI must underpin every deployment, while continued investment in today's workforce and the next generation of technology talent will ensure Australia is well positioned to realise the full potential of AI. ARN
• [New] Australia plans to regulate AI data centers and copyright through legislation. AIMAGICK
• [New] For the full year of 2026, LNG supply is forecast to largely be unchanged from 2025 as producers in other regions boost output - including from new LNG projects in North America, Africa and Australia. IEA
• [New] Seasonal forecasts (Apr 2026-Mar 2027) show the northern Australia surplus persisting through Oct-Dec 2026, however, they are expected to reduce in intensity and recede from the northern coastline. ISCIENCES
• [New] As a result of the Bill passing, NSW will be the first Australian state or territory to legislate the use and monitoring of digital work systems. DLA Piper GENIE
• [New] NSW will become the first Australian jurisdiction to impose specific duties on employers relating to the emergence of digital work systems in the workplace, with a focus on workers' health and safety. DLA Piper GENIE
• [New] New incentives in New South Wales, Victoria, and the Australian Capital Territory could make projects more appealing. Yahoo News
• [New] Lower freight rates to North America, Australia, and Europe are providing businesses with an opportunity to reduce logistics expenses without sacrificing service quality. China Freights Logistics - Best Freight Forwarder and C
• [New] Staying with Volkswagen's partnerships, Xpeng has confirmed it will bring VLA 2.0, its next-generation intelligent driving system, to Australia by the end of 2027, pending regulatory approval. The AV Market Strategist
• [New] Australia is among the first right-hand-drive markets slated to receive it as part of a 2027 global launch. The AV Market Strategist
• [New] Australia said it was disappointed by the new tariffs, which will raise the effective duty on its exports to the United States to 12.5% from 10%. ArabNews
• [New] Australian exports sent to the US will be hit with a 12.5% tariff as the US president imposes levies on more than 80 nations. The Guardian
• [New] Australia and other neighbouring nations will not be bullied by its provocative actions, after its involvement in another destabilising and dangerous incident this week. The Guardian
• [New] Continued volatility in energy markets through 2030 is expected to further strain margins. / Australia Persistence Market Research
• [New] Coal supply disruptions in key exporting regions, such as Australia, have affected the economics of coal gasification. Persistence Market Research
• [New] Australia has reached a critical point in determining how AI will shape the future of healthcare. Digital Health CRC
• [New] Australia has a significant opportunity to lead healthcare innovation, with a new AI roadmap released today outlining priorities for safe adoption and calling for urgent action. Digital Health CRC
• [New] Australia has a goal to reach 1.2 million tech workers by 2030. Tech Council of Australia
• [New] Australia needs to hit sales of 100 pc EVs by 2035 to reach its target of net zero emissions by 2050. Global Solar Council
• [New] Australia has spent decades learning how to warn its public. The Conversation
• [New] Australia remains well priced against the US, but safeguard tariffs into China and South Korea will test demand through the second half of the year. Episode 3

Last updated: 07 August 2026