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] 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
• [New] A new industry panel has been established to advise Defence and other Australian Government agencies on counter small uncrewed aerial systems services, enhancing Australia's ability to detect, deter and respond to emerging drone threats. Mirage News
• [New] The Australian Government will prioritise fostering innovation and economic growth in the AI sector in balance with ensuring safety from AI related harms. Johnson Winter Slattery
• [New] In Australia, the OAIC is expected to release the draft Children's Online Privacy Code for consultation early this year, in the lead up to its implementation in late 2026. Johnson Winter Slattery
• [New] Australia added ~7 GW of renewable capacity in 2025, with renewables supplying around 50% of Q4 electricity, underscoring progress - and the scale still required to reach 2030 targets. Altiorem
• [New] Australian lithium production is projected to exceed 330,000 tonnes by 2026, supporting 60% of global battery demand. Farmonaut
• [New] NRMA Insurance will provide $800,000 over two years to a new community-led resilience program in the Northern Rivers, as insurers report rising losses from extreme weather across Australia. Insurance Business
• [New] Climate scientists warn 122 °F + days could become annual events in Australian capitals by 2050. Travel Tourister
• [New] Australia is projected to see some drawn-out persistence in above-target inflation. The Conversation
• [New] Australia is at risk of a pretty bad recession as inflation trends upward and the Albanese government struggles to rein in spending. Sky News Australia

Last updated: 06 February 2026