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] Australia has announced a new federal energy initiative called the Solar Sharer scheme that will give households at least three hours of free solar-generated electricity each day during peak sunshine hours. Extinction Rebellion
• [New] Inland areas could reach nearly 50 °C (122 °F), with the towns of Ouyen and Mildura expected to hit 49 °C. / Australia EnviroLink Network - The environmental news site since
• [New] The Australian Government is leading the way in turning the game-changing potential of genomics into improved prevention, risk-reduction, early detection, treatment and outcomes of cancer. Mirage News
• [New] The Australian Government has today opened for public consultation a draft policy framework that will strengthen genomics-informed cancer care for all Australians. Mirage News
• [New] Rising calls to the Australian Cyber Security Hotline, higher incident response activity and more threat notifications have, in ASIC's view, underscored the need to lift cyber and operational resilience. Insurance Business
• [New] The Australian Dollar advanced against a softening US Dollar, with AUD / USD nearing 0.6930 amid optimism over steady Australian economic indicators like robust PMIs and a solid trade surplus, while traders braced for Wednesday's Q4 CPI data that could signal RBA tightening. IC Markets | Official Blog | Blog
• [New] An Australian ICT service provider that works across the government and defence sectors expects artificial intelligence to radically change the cyber security landscape in 2026. Cyber Daily
• [New] Heatwaves - defined as three consecutive days where maximum temperatures are higher than average - cause more deaths in Australia than all other natural hazards combined. The Guardian
• [New] Australia has formally recognised psychosocial hazards, including stress, bullying, fatigue, and violence, as enforceable WHS risks. Action OHS Consulting
• [New] In the longer term, new vanadium mining projects outside China, particularly in Canada and Australia, could help to increase supply and ease price pressures. Green Building Africa
• [New] With the official cash rate sitting at 3.6%, a single 0.25% move by the Reserve Bank of Australia could add $110 onto monthly repayments on an average loan of $694,000 - that's $1,320 more a year. realestate.com.au
• [New] Australia is working to build 1.2 million new homes by mid 2029 as part of the National Housing Accord, a federal government-led initiative. realestate.com.au
• [New] Embedded logistics pushes further, envisaging allied investment in shared industrial capacity on Australian soil, ammunition lines, missile components, unmanned systems, owned by multiple partners and designed from inception as common enterprise assets rather than national reserves. Defense.info
• [New] Ransomware remains the most damaging cyber threat for Australian and UAE businesses in 2026. IT Support and Services for Small Businesses :Source Ce
• [New] Australia is expected to see its largest barley crop and second-largest wheat crop on record in 2025-26. IndexBox Inc.
• [New] Kinetic IT has outlined five cyber security trends it expects to shape Australian critical services in 2026, with AI-driven attacks and AI-driven defence tools at the center of a widening cyber arms race. SecurityBrief Australia
• [New] By adopting the National Anti-Racism Framework recommendations Australia will be better equipped in understanding and responding to the complexities of racism. National Indigenous Times
• [New] Australia has gone national with a similar superannuation plan that J.P. Morgan reports has led that nation to have the fourth largest retirement system in the world, and projected to be second by 2031, while ranking only 55th in population. Democracy Journal
• [New] The Australian Alps are considered to be the canary in the coal mine in terms of climate impacts across the alpine tourism sector globally, as well as one of Australia's most at risk regions in regards to climate change. Mirage News
• [New] By continuing to support renewable energy like wind and solar, Australia can continue the shift away from fossil fuels like coal, oil and gas, and aim for net zero emissions by 2035. Mirage News
• [New] Successful development will probably catalyze similar large-scale autonomous vessel programs among Pacific allies (Japan, Australia) and accelerate Chinese counter-development of comparable systems, intensifying unmanned maritime competition in contested waters. Drone Warfare
• [New] Asia Pacific is expected to witness the fastest growth over the forecast period, supported by rapid urbanization, rising electricity demand, and expanding renewable installations in China, India, Japan, and Australia. EIN Presswire
• [New] The Australian government's critical minerals supply initiatives exemplify how nations are developing strategic responses to supply chain vulnerabilities through targeted investment and international partnerships. Discovery Alert

Last updated: 30 January 2026