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] Measles cases have recently been reported in other Australian jurisdictions, and currently any overseas travel could lead to measles exposure and infection in susceptible people. State Government of Victoria, Australia
• [New] For Australian equities, careful management of commodity-linked exposures will be critical, while the next phase of the AI theme may extend beyond AI technology providers to companies successfully deploying AI to enhance productivity and margins. Macquarie
• [New] How inflation evolves will be critical for central bank policy, interest rate expectations and asset valuations, making flexibility and risk management essential for portfolios in 2026. / Australia Macquarie
• [New] Current global government policies would leave us even worse off - heading towards 2.9 C. G20 countries account for nearly 80% of global emissions, but too many of them have not yet improved their climate plans ahead of COP26, including India, China, Australia, Saudi Arabia, Russia and Brazil. Greenpeace International
• [New] If inflation recedes more quickly than expected and productivity improvements take hold, Australia could enjoy smoother growth, rising wages and stronger investment - a scenario that would raise living standards without destabilising prices. The Times
• [New] Nearly half of households plan to cut discretionary spending - from takeaway coffee to holidays - in 2026, as living costs bite and inflation outpaces real income growth for many. / Australia The Times
• [New] Even as employment growth slows from its torrid pace, the unemployment rate - historically low for advanced economies - is expected to stabilise around 4.4-4.5 per cent through 2026 and 2027. / Australia The Times
• [New] Australia is not teetering on the brink of recession - northern hemisphere economies such as Germany and others are expected to expand more slowly next year - but growth is uneven and below the long-term trend of pre-pandemic years. The Times
• [New] Indonesia and Australia signed a new security treaty committing both countries to consult each other if either faces a security threat. The Asia Cable
• [New] The Australian eSafety Commissioner issued a notice raising concerns over the use of Grok in X, citing alleged risks of sexualised and exploitative content generation, including potential child sexual exploitation material. Tech Policy Press
• [New] A new threat alliance dubbed SLSH (linking tactics from Scattered Spider, LAPSUS $, and ShinyHunters) has been observed targeting high-value enterprises, including Australian FinTechs. Lean Security
• [New] Australia will regulate artificial intelligence via existing laws, not a dedicated 'AI Act', with targeted interventions. Mondaq
• [New] Australia will be the President of Negotiations, with exclusive authority in relation to the negotiations, from the end of COP 30 this week until the end of COP 31. Mirage News
• [New] In January, much of Australia was hit by two heatwaves, creating weather conditions that increased the risk of fires. Japan International Research Center for Agricultural Sc
• [New] A group of former national security leaders warn the Australian public is being left in the dark on potential geopolitical chaos detailed in a climate intelligence assessment produced by a key security ally. TrueNorth Weekday Independent News Update
• [New] The Australian Artificial Intelligence Safety Institute, launching in 2026, is expected to work alongside existing regulators to assess advanced AI systems and promote transparency and technical rigour in AI deployments. Lexology PRO
• [New] Australia is projected to grow by 13%, or 3.5 million people, in the coming decade. https://www.facebook.com/TheNewDaily/
• [New] Australian tourism navigates 2026 with travel safety concerns driving discerning choices, projected to top ten million outbound trips if managed well. Travel And Tour World
• [New] Aerial skiing has emerged as a genuine medal opportunity for Australia. The Conversation
• [New] Even if global warming is limited to below 2 °C, heatwaves in major Australian cities could approach 50 °C by 2040. The Conversation
• [New] Inflation has proven more persistent than expected, both globally and in Australia. Macquarie
• [New] The Australian Securities and Investments Commission has placed crypto markets on its 2026 risk list, highlighting oversight gaps in trading, custody and disclosure. Markets see US$2.6 billion crypto sell-off on macro unc
• [New] Japan and Australia's security relationship will become stronger, so expect to see more Australian ships and aircraft heading north to operate in joint task forces in the South and East China Sea. Ben Morgan's Substack

Last updated: 13 February 2026