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] In the Northern Territory, Arafura's Nolans Project will produce about 5% of global rare earths, strengthening energy security and defence supply chains for Australia and its allies. Mirage News
• [New] In Western Australia, the Alcoa-Sojitz Gallium Recovery Project will deliver around 10% of the world's gallium supply, a critical input for semiconductors and advanced defence technologies. Mirage News
• [New] The Australian government will invest up to $US200m in the Alcoa operation while the US will also have an ownership stake. The Guardian
• [New] A leak from the spy agencies of the US, Canada, Britain, Australia and New Zealand pointed to the development of a new command and control system for all-out war against China, which will come online as soon as 2027. World Socialist Web Site
• [New] Donald Trump and Anthony Albanese have inked a deal for critical mineral and energy dominance in a new partnership that will tip billions into mining projects in the US and Australia. Australian Broadcasting Corporation
• [New] Deepening defence cooperation: Australia committed to enhanced burden sharing and is making new defence investments that will bolster the U.S.-Australia alliance. The White House
• [New] The Pentagon will invest in building a gallium refinery in western Australia with a capacity of 100 metric tons per year. CNBC
• [New] Temperatures across Australia will soar as much as 15 degrees Celsius above average during the coming days, threatening October records across multiple states and territories. Australian Broadcasting Corporation
• [New] Australia could build a model of sovereign control by investing in public infrastructure, skills and governance frameworks that secure national forms of ownership and accountability. The Conversation
• [New] Australia has a legislated greenhouse emissions target of 43% below 2005 levels by 2030 and net zero by 2050. The Conversation
• [New] Defence education and training cooperation will expand, with more Indian students joining the Australian Defence College in 2026 and a dedicated position at the Australian Defence Force Academy in 2027. Guidely
• [New] Iran orchestrated at least two antisemitic attacks in Australia through organised crime groups - with security agencies pointing to it as the most clear example of a convergence of threats. Australian Broadcasting Corporation
• [New] The hacker group that claimed responsibility for the data breach has threatened to target Australia again. Australian Broadcasting Corporation
• [New] Australia will make a second billion-dollar payment to boost U.S. nuclear submarine shipyards soon. FDD
• [New] Australia may be able to reach a full 100% renewable grid nationwide by the late 2030s, with 90% of coal capacity set to be gone by 2035. The Weekly Anthropocene
• Australia aims to cut its carbon emissions by 62-70% below 2005 levels by 2035, marking a major step towards its long-term goal of net zero by 2050. Gibson Dunn
• The Bureau of Meteorology has forecast an increased likelihood of above-average rainfall over the next three months in southern South Australia, giving some cause for cautious optimism. pir.sa.gov.au

Last updated: 24 October 2025