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] One study identified acclimatization as an approach that could be more widely adopted in Australia to manage WHS risks in hot locations by recruiting workers more selectively and ensuring their capacity to be heat-adaptable in a specific occupation. PubMed Central (PMC)
• [New] As a result of the impacts of climate change in Australia and across the world, the social and economic impacts will be substantial, with global gross domestic product losses predicted to be greater than 20% by 2100. PubMed Central (PMC)
• [New] Heat-related productivity losses will occur in many regions of the world and, hence, also impact society and economies in Australia. PubMed Central (PMC)
• [New] A particular issue that has arisen as a significant threat to health as identified by Australian workers is that regardless of jobs or location, about 90% of workers might be affected by heat on hot days, compared with only about 10%, indicating that they may never or rarely be affected. PubMed Central (PMC)
• [New] Climate change will intensify the frequency of extreme weather events in Australia and most other parts of the world, with profound implications for human society and the natural environment. PubMed Central (PMC)
• [New] Temperatures in Australia are predicted to rise by an average of 0.6-1.3 °C by 2030. PubMed Central (PMC)
• [New] In Australia, heat is responsible for over 1100 deaths per year, which presents the highest risk among natural hazards and a risk exceeding the annual road toll. PubMed Central (PMC)
• [New] In the future, agricultural productivity and labour productivity are predicted in Australia to further decline due to climate change: by 2030, more than USD 19 billion; by 2050, more than USD 211 billion; and by 2100, more than USD 4 trillion are expected in accumulated wealth loss. PubMed Central (PMC)
• [New] Government initiatives are accelerating adoption, with countries like Australia investing $54 million to build 1.2 million homes by 2029 using prefabricated and modular construction methods. ReAnIn
• [New] Australia has concluded negotiations to associate with the European Union's Horizon Europe research program, providing Australian researchers access to research and development funding from early 2027. SPACE & DEFENSE
• [New] Fortescue Metals Group estimates that electrifying its operations could deliver annual savings exceeding one billion Australian dollars while reducing exposure to volatile fuel prices. Modern Diplomacy
• [New] Australia issued board-level guidance on frontier AI cyber threats, while Singapore proposed stronger anti-scam legislation and platform penalties. LinkedIn
• [New] With the right scheme in place, Australia could recover billions of dollars in critical minerals and lead the world in another part of the renewable energy transition. The Sydney Morning Herald
• [New] Australian agriculture is facing important decisions that will shape its productivity, profitability and sustainability towards 2050. Mirage News
• [New] Psychosocial hazards, things like excessive workload, bullying, poor role clarity, and badly handled change, are now enforceable work health and safety risks in every Australian jurisdiction. Rippling
• [New] A more material reassessment of the economic viability of AI-related investment, or of the economic effects of the Middle East conflict, could lead to a broader weakening in risk sentiment that could spill over to Australian markets. Reserve Bank of Australia
• 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
• 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
• 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
• Australia plans to regulate AI data centers and copyright through legislation. AIMAGICK
• 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
• 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
• 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

Last updated: 21 August 2026