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] Internationally, grading systems prioritise the eating experience: Australia's Meat Standards Australia evaluates marbling, ossification, pH, fat depth, ageing, cut, and cooking method, while the US USDA system - Select, Choice, Prime - gives consumers a clear indication of expected quality. EU Agenda
• [New] Sea surface temperatures are forecast to remain above average in the Australian region. Mirage News
• [New] Re-establishing a coordinating body like the former Health Workforce Australia, although not a quick solution, could establish a governance mechanism that supports long term, cross-jurisdictional planning. PubMed Central (PMC)
• [New] The Australian Dollar has shown volatility, largely influenced by global risk sentiment, recent statements from the Reserve Bank of Australia, and movements in commodity markets. IC Markets | Official Blog | Blog
• [New] China remains the biggest driver of demand for Australian wool, and the recent price increases saw a reduction in demand, however, as the busy season approaches, Chinese buyers will engage competitively in auctions to ensure they have sufficient supplies. Australian Rural & Regional News
• [New] The Fujian is forcing Western allies (especially the AUKUS alliance, Australia, the UK and the US) to accelerate their own deployments and revise their combat doctrines, dangerously increasing the risk of accidental escalation in the Western Pacific. Atalayar
• [New] Gartner forecasts software spending in Australia will reach A$ 60 billion in 2026, a 13.6% increase from 2025. Gartner
• [New] Gartner forecasts spending on data center systems in Australia by enterprises and service providers will see the largest growth, increasing 22.5% to A$ 10.1 billion. Gartner
• [New] Despite an uncertain environment, investments in AI, cybersecurity and cloud will continue to drive new IT spending in Australia next year. Gartner
• [New] IT spending in Australia is expected to reach A$ 172.3 billion in 2026, an increase of 8.9% from 2025. Gartner
• [New] Australian insights from MacroBusiness warn of similar trends globally, with 16.2% of hospitality firms at risk due to high interest rates and cost-of-living pressures. WebProNews
• [New] Better connected cancer data, as envisaged in the Australian Cancer Plan, will transform how we understand and address cancer. News Hub - Medianet News Hub archive
• [New] A team of Australian scientists has uncovered how certain viruses manage to seize control of human cells, a finding that could lead to the next generation of antivirals and vaccines. ScienceDaily
• [New] Quantum technology will play a vital role in the future of the Australian Defence Force, as identified in the 2024 National Defence Strategy and the Defence Innovation, Science and Technology Strategy. APDR
• [New] The Australian pulse crop harvest is going to start over the next month and will provide additional competition for Canadian pulse exports. MarketsFarm
• [New] Higher-than-expected Australian inflation has effectively ended the domestic rate-cutting cycle for now, with the RBA projecting inflation to remain elevated through mid-2026. IC Markets | Official Blog | Blog
• [New] The Aboriginal people of Australia are on the precipice of cementing a historic agreement with the state of Victoria, one that could provide a blueprint for recognizing Indigenous peoples and incorporating their voices and cultures into the political process going forward. Native America Calling
• [New] The Australian construction industry is expected to grow at an average annual rate of 3.2% from 2026 to 2029, supported by public and private investment in energy infrastructure and housing projects. Yahoo Finance
• [New] Australian organizations are redefining resilience as they face converging risks - from cyber threats and regulatory uncertainty to workforce and climate challenges. Insurance Business
• Australia Says Goodbye to Retirement at 67: Australia has officially announced a major shift in its retirement policy, confirming that the new pension age will soon replace the long-standing retirement threshold of 67. Bloodyfrench
• SovEcon lifted its Russian export forecast by 0.4 million tonnes to 43.8 Mt, noting better demand at lower prices but warning that seasonal weather and competition from Argentina and Australia could slow shipments. Grain Central

Last updated: 14 November 2025