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] 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
• [New] Global stablecoin supply could grow from roughly $300 billion to more than $450 billion as jurisdictions such as the UK, Canada and Australia provide regulatory clarity, encouraging broader use beyond the U.S. dollar. yellow.com
• [New] More extreme weather events are expected for Australia and the world as the rise in global temperatures continues unabated. World Socialist Web Site
• [New] Australian household spending data came in stronger than expected at 1.0% monthly versus 0.7% forecast, providing additional support to the Australian dollar against the weakening greenback. BabyPips.com
• [New] SES will build a dedicated ground segment, including a purpose-built antenna facility on Australian soil, solidifying the infrastructure needed for seamless operations now and into the future. Rutland Herald
• [New] Australia plans to buy and stockpile minerals essential for defence and advanced technologies from domestic mining companies to help strengthen global supply chains. Yahoo Finance
• [New] Western Australia leads at +2.2% annual growth, driven by resources sector opportunities and relative housing affordability. AreaSearch
• [New] Australia is playing a leading role in shaping international AI norms and standards, working with partners to advance global understanding of AI risks and safety. Mirage News
• [New] Unless we can resolve the housing crisis, wealth will become much more unequally distributed in Australia. Pearls and Irritations
• [New] Plans to develop a new class of nuclear-powered submarine for Australia and the United Kingdom under the AUKUS pact are likely to collapse because of the shambolic state of the UK's submarine service, a former top British defence official has warned. The Age
• [New] Tennis Australia will in 2027 relaunch a program dedicated to the training of stringers and to provide a pathway into the tournament scene. Australian Broadcasting Corporation
• [New] The ports of Rotterdam, Singapore and Hedland in Western Australia are expected to host ammonia bunkering trials in 2026. ENGINE
• [New] Temperatures on Friday and Saturday are forecast to hit record highs for most states and territories, with Victoria and South Australia in particular bracing for dangerous fire conditions due to strong winds and hot temperatures. BBC News
• [New] Tasmania and South Australia are expected to be the slowest-growing states from 2026 to 2036. Australian Broadcasting Corporation
• [New] Rare earth element partnerships could leverage similar Australia-US cooperation frameworks, whilst lithium and battery mineral collaborations offer opportunities for domestic processing capacity development. Discovery Alert
• [New] Climate change is expected to increase the frequency and intensity of periods of extreme heat across Australia in the future. Mirage News
• [New] In 2026, we will see Australia solidify its position as a global leader in sovereign AI infrastructure. Healthcare IT News
• [New] On the technology front, the Insurance Council of Australia has flagged a new wave of exposures, including the impact of AI, quantum computing and consumer-managed personal data stores as key weaknesses that could threaten Australia's cyber security future. Insurance Business
• [New] The Australian Government has committed to achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, a goal that requires the removal of up to 119 million tonnes of emissions. agtechnavigator.com
• [New] The extreme heat has raised warnings of extreme fire danger, with wind and dry lightning forecast to add to the risk by Friday for parts of South Australia and Victoria. Australian Broadcasting Corporation
• [New] A new research initiative led by Monash University researchers, the Digital Health Cooperative Research Centre, and Optain Health, will harness artificial intelligence and retinal imaging to transform the early detection of chronic diseases in Australia. Mirage News

Last updated: 16 January 2026