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International Business Times AU

January 2026

Nipah Virus: Australia Will Not Tighten Border Controls for Now

This comes as a number of Asian nations have tightened the health screening at airports to combat the potential spread of the disease

Sanjaya Senanayakedr.
It's something we've known about for a long time, and we have outbreaks every year in that region of Asia and we haven't panicked before, so we shouldn't panic now,
We don't have any advice at the moment to change our existing protocols for sick travellers who arrive in Australia,
As of 21 January, the male patient is recovering, while the female patient remains in critical condition,

Australia, Indonesia Agree to Strengthen Creative Economy, Security Cooperation

Minister for Home Affairs, Immigration and Citizenship, Cyber Security and the Arts Tony Burke met with key Indonesian ministers during his trip to the Asian country to discuss strategic agendas

Our aim is to steer this cooperation toward helping Indonesian creative economy actors level up, connect with global markets and talents, and play a more active role in the international value chain,
What we have achieved so far is good, but it is not enough,

Hospitality Sector Slams Possibility of New Public Holiday in NSW for Anzac Day

Wes LambertaBC News, Australian Restaurant and Cafe Association CEO
On public holidays, restaurants and cafes pay between 75 and 100 per cent of their revenue out in wages, so if the premier wants to add another public holiday, we're going to advocate that restaurants and cafes around the state close,
They shouldn't have to lose money because the premier wants to mirror other states' public holidays."

Nipah Virus: What Aussies Should Know as Asian Countries Tighten Airport Screening

In infected people, it causes a range of illnesses from asymptomatic (subclinical) infection to acute respiratory illness and fatal encephalitis,
All traced contacts have been found asymptomatic and have tested negative for Nipah Virus Disease,
Australia is currently free of Nipah virus, however, an incursion of this virus would have serious consequences for both animal and human health,

Mortgage Stress Alert: 1.2 Million Australian Households Face Heightened Risk Amid Looming Rate Hike

If the RBA raises the cash rate by 0.25 percentage points to 3.85% at its February meeting, that figure would climb to 25.3%, or 1,228,000 households, an increase of 41,000

Michele BullockrBA governor
Despite the recent easing, rising inflation poses a clear risk of interest rates heading up in 2026,

The "Aussie Great Again" Trade: AUD Breaches 70 US Cents

The rally, driven by a combination of global monetary shifts, strong domestic data, and easing geopolitical tensions, marks a turning point for the currency that had languished below key resistance levels for much of the past two years

This is more than just a technical breakout,
The sentiment shift is real,
Resource-linked currencies like the Aussie tend to outperform when global growth expectations rise,
Risk-on conditions are back,
Markets are pricing in a yield advantage for the Aussie,

Australian Wine Exports Decline in Value and Volume in 2025

As reported by ABC News, the export market went down to $2.34 billion, and volume decreased to 613 million litres last year

Peter Baileywine Australia Manager Market Insights
Consumers are reducing overall alcohol consumption in line with wellness trends and in order to save money as the cost-of-living increases,

The 2026 Career Pivot: AI Roles Become Australia's Most Essential New Workforce

Instead, they are being recruited heavily in healthcare, finance, logistics, and even government agencies, signaling a nationwide career pivot toward artificial intelligence as the backbone of the modern workforce

AI is the new currency in finance,
David Nguyenprofessor
AI can amplify biases if not carefully managed,
Claire Reynoldsindustry and Science
AI is not just about technology—it's about sovereignty,
AI is helping us move goods faster, cheaper, and more reliably,
AI is no longer a niche skill set,

Is Australia's internet ready for the AI boom? Inside the record-breaking cable project

Bevan Slatteryfounder
Hyperscalers and neoclouds are looking to deploy 3 gigawatts of AI factories in Australia between now and 2028,
Jaqui Lanetech analyst
Australia is a prime place for big tech companies to spend money—we have land, stability, and renewable potential,
As data continues to become a core strategic national asset, a sovereign-owned cable offers Australia greater control over how its critical information is transmitted and governed,

Apple and Google Settle Class Actions After Allegations of Unwanted Voice Recording

Apple has already begun sending payments to resolve its $95 million lawsuit

These settlements aim to resolve complaints while reinforcing users' control over their data,
Apple denies all of the allegations made in the lawsuit and denies that Apple did anything improper or unlawful,

Canada's Trade Minister Calls Trump Tariff Threats 'Posturing' Amid USMCA Talks

Dominic LeBlancu.S. Trade Minister
It's not six years ago. This is a review,
If you are not at the table, you are on the menu."
The president is a strong negotiator, and I think some of these comments and positioning should be viewed in the broader context of that,

Heatwave Updates: Record Temperatures Felt in Victoria, South Australia Towns

Different parts of Australia continue to deal with extreme temperatures as the heatwave rages on

IPhone 18 Pro Rumors: A20 ProChip, Camera 2.0, Smaller Dynamic Island, More Coming This 2026

From a next-generation chip to camera and battery upgrades, the iPhone 18 Pro could be the greatest gamechanger we'll ever see in this decade

Trump Escalates Feud With Canada, Threatens Full Tariff if China Deal Moves Forward

Trump's latest remarks come after Canada reached an agreement with China to allow 49,000 Chinese electric vehicles into the country at a lower tariff rate, while China reduced tariffs on Canadian canola

Wab Kinewmanitoba Premier
Canada will never be taken over. Not by China. Not by Trump. We will always be the TRUE NORTH strong and free."
Donald Trumppresident
Canada lives because of the United States."
David EbybC Premier
You're on the right path, Mark. Canada must stand on our own two feet."
Dominic LeBlanccanadian politician (born 1967)
There is no pursuit of a free trade deal with China. What was achieved was resolution on several important tariff issues."
China will eat Canada alive, completely devour it, including the destruction of their businesses, social fabric, and general way of life."
Donald Trumppresident
If Governor Carney thinks he is going to make Canada a 'Drop Off Port' for China to send goods and products into the United States, he is sorely mistaken."

Airbus CEO Warns of New Geopolitical Risks After 'Significant' Trade Damage

His message comes as Airbus faces pressure from US protectionist policies and strained US-China relations

Guillaume Fauryceo
We must be more rigorous in managing our systems and products in general,
Guillaume Fauryceo
The beginning of 2026 is marked by an unprecedented number of crises and by unsettling geopolitical developments. We should proceed in a spirit of solidarity and self-reliance,

Extreme Heat Disrupts Australia Day Festivities as Nation Faces Fire Risks

The Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) issued extreme heat alerts for multiple states, including Victoria, South Australia, and parts of New South Wales, as temperatures soared past 48 degrees Celsius (118.4 Fahrenheit) in some regions over the weekend

While this is deeply disappointing for the community, performers and partners, community safety and wellbeing must come first,
Lidia Thorpeaustralian politician
We cannot celebrate a day that marks the beginning of genocide and displacement,
Australia is facing a tough time with this heat,
Emily Tandr.
We're seeing patients come in with symptoms of heat exhaustion, including dizziness, nausea, and confusion. It's critical that people recognize the signs early and take preventive measures."
Marcus Reiddr.
This is not an anomaly,

Australia Day: Invasion Day Rallies Call for Changing Date or Complete Abolishing

They want the government to change the date of Australia Day or abolish it altogether