The reform agenda is ambitious, but surging inflation, rising interest rates, and a $28.3bn underlying cash deficit set a challenging backdrop for Australia’s 2026-27 Budget.
Region: Australia
Consulting Report Workforce pressures facing the food & grocery manufacturing sector Oxford Economics Australia examines growing workforce gaps across five critical occupations, modelling supply and demand dynamics out to 2035 to help the industry and government plan ahead. You might be interested in
Australia’s budget position is set to improve by $71bn over four years as surging inflation and commodity prices boost government revenues. But the economy is paying the price with inflation at a three-year high, the RBA hiking rates, and households under mounting pressure.
The report highlights the significant economic and strategic importance of AI, cloud computing, and data-enabled technologies in helping Australia unlock water capacity, improve efficiency, and support more resilient utilities, agriculture, households, and industry.
Oxford Economics today announced the acquisition of Macromonitor, a leading provider of economic forecasting and research services to Australia’s building and construction sector.
Australia’s labour market remains resilient, with steady employment keeping the unemployment rate stable and reinforcing expectations of a May rate hike.
A prolonged Iran conflict isn’t just a geopolitical crisis – it’s a direct economic shock to Australian households, industries, and states. Our economists map the full cascade: from Strait of Hormuz closures to your fuel bill, mortgage stress, and local job market.
The report highlights the significant economic and strategic importance of Australia’s cement, concrete and aggregates industry in supporting construction, infrastructure delivery, and national supply chains.
Australia is at the peak of a boom in tunnel work, supported by a record level of transportation construction activity. The pipeline of tunnelling work is set to begin declining as government funding of infrastructure projects slows.
Imports rise on data centre demand as Australia’s trade surplus narrows.
RESEARCH BRIEFING Wage growth should slow, but upside risks persist in Australia Labour shortages and strong demand continue to support wage growth.
RESEARCH BRIEFING Stage set for strong Q4 GDP print despite slowdown in trade in Australia Government spending drives Q4 growth as trade softens and the current account deficit widens.
RESEARCH BRIEFING Rates to move higher as inflation refuses to play ball in Australia Strong inflation and jobs data delay disinflation, keeping policy restrictive.
Blog Construction’s Next Big Shift Rising costs, fiscal pressures, and the changing economics of construction. Market capacity to deliver is only part of the story. An equally important question is how the next wave of construction and infrastructure investment will be paid for. – Thomas Westrup Australian infrastructure has ridden a public investment boom… Australian construction work done – … Read more
Australia’s trade surplus increased recently, but softer export demand and rising capital goods imports may put pressure on the outlook.
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Event Australian Economic Outlook Conference 2026 Navigating the crosscurrents of economic policy 24 February 2026 Sydney in this page: Momentum is building in Australia’s economy, but the path ahead is anything but smooth. Inflation is rearing its head again, leaving the RBA in a difficult predicament just as households and businesses are seeking clearer signals. … Read more
Event Australian Construction Outlook Conference 2026 Navigating the crosscurrents of economic policy 24 February 2026 Sydney in this page: The construction sector is entering a defining decade as growth in activity shifts towards non-traditional asset classes. Increasing construction costs, labour market capacity, and ongoing geopolitical uncertainty will all limit the extent to which construction activity … Read more
Australia faces a series of tussles for 2026 – inflation versus the RBA, public versus private demand and homeowners versus everyone else.
The construction sector is entering a defining decade as growth in activity shifts towards non-traditional asset classes. Increasing construction costs, labour market capacity, an ongoing geopolitical uncertainty will all limit the extent to which construction activity can meet demand. In this conference we will take stock of the construction market and discuss the broader issues facing the industry including sustainability, capacity and capability, AI, costs and funding.
