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] Australian patients are increasingly tech-savvy, expect more convenience from healthcare interactions and demonstrate greater familiarity with digital platforms. Trader
• [New] The Strategy of Denial is oriented primarily around denying any adversary the ability to project force against Australia through its northern approaches, a defence of Australia's own approaches and maritime economic connections, not merely a contribution to collective allied deterrence. Second Line of Defense
• [New] The AUKUS nuclear submarine pathway remains the centrepiece of Australian long-term deterrence planning, reflecting a fundamental judgement that undersea warfare will define the strategic contest in the Indo-Pacific. Second Line of Defense
• [New] Acquisition of new capability alone is projected to nearly double, from $22.4 billion in 2026-27 to $47.5 billion in 2035-36. / Australia Second Line of Defense
• [New] Australia will face levels of exposure to force projection and military coercion not seen since the Second World War. Second Line of Defense
• [New] Under the AUKUS agreement, the United States will sell Australia two nuclear-powered submarines from 2032.
• [New] UMVs will help to reverse the Royal Australian Navy's (RAN) disproportionate fleet size relative to the size of its EEZ. Army Technology
• [New] Brisbane is forecast to have the tightest vacancy rate of any Australian city through to 2030, with projections of just 0.7%. Big News Network.com
• [New] Australia will raise defence spending to 3.0% of GDP by 2033 as armed conflicts flare worldwide. KPVI
• [New] Australian mining giant Fortescue, led by billionaire Andrew Forrest, has signed agreements with Pecem potentially worth USD 18 billion, with final investment decisions by 2026 and production targeted by end-2027. The Rio Times
• [New] The international rollout has begun in Australia, reflecting the significant Maori population living there, with plans to expand to the United Kingdom in 2027. Te Wananga o Aotearoa
• [New] Australia will spend Au$ 12 billion to Au$ 15 billion over the next decade on autonomous capabilities.
• [New] Australia will boost spending on drones by Au$ 5 billion ($3.6 billion) in response to shifts in warfare seen in the Middle East.
• [New] The EU and Australia have signed an agreement that will eliminate 99% of tariffs on European exports. FXStreet

Last updated: 24 April 2026