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] Scientists in Australia have developed new ultra-thin filters that can separate valuable chemicals from liquid mixtures fast and efficiently to make medicines, dyes and other products, which could help industries cut waste, save energy and lower costs. Azonano
• [New] Exchanges and custody providers will become regulated digital asset or tokenised custody platforms, required to hold an Australian Financial Services Licence and comply with strict custody, disclosure, and consumer-protection standards. Bitcoin declines to a seven-month low on persistent U.S
• [New] Rejection by influential international bodies signals immediate commercial risk; for instance, the Therapeutic Goods Administration of Australia confirmed its decision to decline approval for Eisai's monoclonal antibody lecanemab for early Alzheimer's disease. BioPharm International
• [New] According to IDC and Fortinet's 2025 State of Cybersecurity in Asia-Pacific report, nearly 51% of organizations across Australia say they have encountered AI-powered cyber threats in the past year. Interactive | Cloud | Cyber | Systems
• [New] Jointly-managed parks in Western Australia are creating more opportunities for Indigenous rangers to work on Country. SBS News
• [New] Solar power is now so cheap and abundant in Australia that electricity is going to be free for three hours in the middle of the day. The Guardian
• [New] Starting today, children under 16 in Australia will no longer be allowed to have accounts on many popular social media apps. NewsForKids.net
• [New] The first pillar of the AUKUS pact - between Australia, the US and the UK - involves arming Australia with American-built nuclear-powered submarines from the early 2030s. Australian Broadcasting Corporation
• [New] Australian citizens under the age of 16 will, within years if not months, become electors. Insurance Journal
• [New] The possible threat of Australia being involved in military conflict with another country was rated seventh in seriousness, with 64% of respondents assessing it as either a major threat or a moderate threat. National Security College
• [New] Investors anticipate steady Reserve Bank of Australia rates at 3.6% through 2026, with U.S. indices closing higher on Friday-S&P 500 up 0.19% to 6,870.40-for their fourth winning session. GeopoliticsUnplugged Substack
• [New] By unanimously voting to abandon a 2050 net zero target, party members fired the first shot in a rebellion against the green agenda, declaring that cheap and reliable power must come before climate ideology. / Australia Clintel
• [New] Australian children held in increasingly militarised displacement camps in north-east Syria have been told they will be shot if they try to breach the fence line, as Australia refuses to issue its citizens with passports so they can be repatriated. The Guardian

Last updated: 19 December 2025