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] Several central banks, including the Royal Bank of Australia a day ago, have already signaled that their next rate change could be a hike. Chrisman Commentary
• [New] Australia, the Netherlands, Germany and Switzerland all pay their hospitals per patient treated, and allow patients the opportunity to purchase care privately if they wish. Fraser Institute
• [New] Australia is contributing to negotiations for a legally binding United Nations Plastic Treaty, expected by 2025. ChemLinked
• [New] In Australia, the Australian Packaging Covenant Organization is leveraging EPR principles in its 2030 Strategic Plan, aiming to fund the recovery of problematic materials through eco-modulated member fees. ChemLinked
• [New] The summer surge blueprint will become the template for all Australian peak-travel periods, including Easter and the July school-holiday rush. VisaHQ
• [New] The Australian Security Intelligence Organisation and other Five Eyes partners have warned of ongoing threats to global telecommunications infrastructure, with particular concern about China's demonstrated capability to maintain persistent access to critical systems. Compliance Hub Wiki
• [New] Defence Housing Australia plans to double the size of its Rockingham property portfolio over the next five years to around 1,200. Australian Broadcasting Corporation
• [New] Australia is bracing for two extremes over the next week, with parts of the west facing days of extreme fire danger and a cyclone and flood watch issued for parts of Queensland and the Northern Territory. The Guardian
• [New] As a Tier 1 integrator in Australia, Wartsila will expand its local footprint to more than 6 GWh of capacity with the Bennetts Creek Battery, delivering greater grid stability and supporting the country's net zero by 2045 target. Wartsila.com
• [New] Technology group Wartsila will deliver a 100 MW / 223 MWh battery energy storage system for innovative Australian renewable energy retailer, Flow Power. Wartsila.com
• [New] The clear risk for Australian housing is that it could follow New Zealand and Canada - arguably Australia's most similar economies and housing markets - with a deep housing correction. MacroBusiness
• [New] Denver-based Lux Aeterna announced its plan to land its inaugural reusable satellite at the Koonibba Test Range in South Australia, following an early 2027 launch on a SpaceX rideshare mission. KeepTrack
• [New] NCIRS has recently updated its influenza FAQs to include information about the needle-free vaccine that will become available for free for eligible children in Queensland, New South Wales, South Australia and Western Australia ahead of the 2026 season. NCIRS
• [New] 2026 might bring a sea change, noting that recent months had already seen a distinct change in tone from several G10 central banks, especially Canada and Australia, raising the specter of rate hikes to come. Classic Rock 103.5 WIMZ | Knoxville, TN
• [New] Australia would not have 6G coverage at least until 2030. Australian Broadcasting Corporation
• [New] The 205-megawatt capacity windfarm, to be delivered by developer OSMI Australia using turbines supplied and installed by Vestas, is expected to be in full operation by 2028. The Guardian
• [New] In 2026, the sharpest growth in BEV deployment is expected in Australia, Canada, Sweden, Finland and Chile, where national policies, renewable-energy availability and strong miner-OEM collaboration are creating conducive adoption environments. Mining Technology
• [New] Australia is set for 4.1% growth, and Japan slows to 2.9%, yet APAC overall continues to expand its global share - expected to reach nearly 40% by 2028. Marketing-Interactive
• [New] Looking ahead to 2026, Australian canola may stand to benefit from shifting geopolitical dynamics, particularly as China prepares to conduct a five-vessel trial of Australian GM canola. Southern Farming Systems
• [New] Australian wheat producers are likely to have a lot of cheap grain to sell throughout 2026, and marketing strategies are key to keep profitability afloat, including hedging and deferred forward contracts. Southern Farming Systems
• [New] Australia Post does not receive financial support from Government, yet is expected to generate a return and remain financially sustainable. Mirage News
• [New] Queensland and Western Australia stood out as growth markets driven by infrastructure activity and stronger business confidence, particularly with the long-term runway created by the 2032 Brisbane Olympics. Mortgage Professional
• [New] Australia will receive the world's first officially recognised climate refugees in 2026. Energy in Demand - Sustainable Energy - Rod Janssen

Last updated: 02 January 2026