AGP Executive Report

Biosecurity Crackdown: NSW wildlife officers seized more than 100,000 illegal exotic cockroaches from a Bathurst breeder, including Madagascar “hissing” and dubia species, worth up to $200,000, warning pet owners and businesses they could face penalties. Markets & Banking: Australia’s big banks are split after ANZ and Macquarie cut fixed rates, while the ASX 200 slipped as miners and banks dragged sentiment. Trade Tensions: China is set to impose a 55% tariff on Australian beef once quotas are hit, adding pressure for exporters. Energy & Recycling: Western Australia backed a $13m solar module recycling push plus battery collection funding, while Frontier Energy raised equity for a WA solar-plus-storage project. Tech & Consumer Watch: ASIC says more Australians are using AI and social media for financial info, urging caution on advice. Travel Impact: Fuel concerns are driving nearly a quarter of Aussies to cancel or postpone winter trips, with knock-on effects for regional tourism. Business Moves: Allianz Partners agreed to buy a large chunk of nib’s travel insurance portfolio, and BBC Studios hired Liz Baldwin to lead streaming and channels across ANZ.

US Tariff Fight: Australia is pushing back hard against a proposed 12.5% US “forced labour” tariff, with the government warning it’s ideological disagreement and a trade fight that could hit exporters. Economy & Jobs: New data points to a slowdown, with GDP growth flagged around 0.3% and warnings of a productivity recession as energy costs bite. Housing Tax Overhaul: Australia’s lower house has passed major tax reforms aimed at easing housing costs, including limiting negative gearing to newly built homes and changing the capital gains discount from July 2027. Industry Pressure: The Australian industry index stayed weak in May as energy uncertainty weighed on orders, while input costs stayed high and firms reported delays to investment. Cyber & Fraud: Digital fraud is described as a cross-border criminal enterprise, shifting scams into more organised, international operations. Energy Transition: Queensland has opened funding for solar, wind and storage projects, while research and industry keep pushing next-gen solar durability testing and recycling urgency. Markets & Business: CMC Markets shares jumped after profit guidance beat expectations, and Australia’s data-centre boom continues to be linked to economic momentum.

US Tariffs Shock: The Trump administration proposes a new 12.5% tariff on Australia over “forced labour” claims, with Albanese calling it “unjustified” and warning the bigger issue is unstable tariff policy for business planning. Meta vs News Bargaining: Meta says Australia’s draft law to make tech giants pay for news is “grossly unfair” and “indefensible,” escalating a free-trade dispute. Economy Watch: Australia’s GDP growth slows to 0.3% in the March quarter, while goods trade flips back to a $1.8b surplus in April as exports rebound and fuel imports rise. Online Safety Push: Choice lodges a “super” complaint urging the ACCC to investigate dangerous banned products sold on marketplaces, after recent takedowns and legal action. Energy & Industry: Queensland launches a $200m fund for solar PV and storage in the north-west, while Recharge Power and partners back a 292MWh battery storage pipeline. Transport & Tech: Qantas advances ultra-long-haul plans with the A350-1000ULR maiden flight; Boeing reports stealth testing progress on the MQ-28 Ghost Bat. Housing Costs: Stamp duty revenue is nearly doubling across states, with buyers now paying about $61,714 on average per purchase.

Mining & Resources: Alkane has started diamond drilling at its Nagambie antimony-gold project in Victoria, aiming to expand the existing JORC Inferred Resource (539,000 tonnes grading 3.9% antimony and 3.3 g/t gold). Energy & Jobs: IREN shares jumped after it secured grid access for an 800MW AI data centre campus in South Australia, targeting first energisation in 2028 and citing submarine fibre links plus 500+ construction roles and 200+ permanent jobs. Work & Cost of Living: The Fair Work Commission confirmed Australia’s national minimum wage will rise 4.75% from 1 July 2026 to $1004.90 a week ($26.44 an hour), with extra protection for the lowest-paid award classifications. Economy Watch: ABS data shows GDP grew just 0.3% in the March quarter, hit by cyclone disruptions to exports and weaker government spending, while business investment rose on data centre equipment. Corporate Moves: Nova Minerals cleared the final court hurdle to restructure into a new US-based holding company, with trading changes expected from today and implementation set for mid-June. Renewables: Enervest and Taiwan’s Billion Watts will develop a 50MW/200MWh portfolio of sub-5MW solar-plus-storage and battery projects across NSW and Victoria.

Economy & Housing: Australia’s economy grew 0.3% in Q1 and 2.5% over the year, with business investment jumping as data centres expand for AI demand, while household spending stayed cautious amid higher fuel and interest rates. Building approvals fell again in April (down 3.4%), with NSW, WA and Victoria leading the drop, though detached houses stayed elevated and Tasmania surged. Fair Work & Cost Pressures: The Fair Work Commission lifted the National Minimum Wage by 4.75%, and industry groups warned it will add pressure to already squeezed hospitality and retail businesses. Tasmania Housing Boost: Tasmania announced a Modular Housing Finance Guarantee to help unlock construction-phase loans and speed up home supply. Energy & Markets: Oil rose as US-Iran tensions flared, while ASX trading rotated from tech into miners and energy; EV momentum continued with Tesla and BYD strong in May. Farming & Biosecurity: Growers in WA are being urged to support an emergency permit for stronger zinc phosphate mouse bait as mouse activity builds ahead of seeding. Policy & Defence: A public inquiry into AUKUS nuclear-powered submarines is set to begin in Canberra under Peter Garrett. Environment: Calls are growing to ban paraquat nationwide over health concerns, including links raised by Parkinson’s advocates.

Minimum Wage Rise: Australia’s Fair Work Commission has set a 4.75% pay increase from July for about 2.8 million low-paid workers, lifting the minimum weekly wage to $1,409.90 and the hourly rate to $26.44, with economists warning it could add inflation pressure. Gas vs Renewables: A Grattan Institute report argues Australia should cut gas demand first and pursue renewables “relentlessly”, while industry and states back the Albanese government’s plan to jump-start stalled renewables investment. LNG Strike: Unions have begun strike action at Inpex’s Ichthys LNG plant, raising supply concerns. Beetaloo Gas Push: Santos could start new drilling in the Northern Territory’s Beetaloo basin within weeks after state approval for up to 12 wells, with environmental groups urging federal intervention. Consumer Safety Crackdown: Choice has asked the ACCC to act over unsafe “toy-like” products sold online, including fake cigarette lighters and other potentially banned items. Packaging Warning: A “franken-can” won Australia’s worst packaging award, spotlighting gaps in national packaging rules. Business & Trade: Bunnings is set to absorb Blackwoods and Workwear Group, while Australia’s trade data shows a first deficit since 2017 amid tech and fuel imports. Maritime Defence: Bombardier will supply modified Global 6500 jets to the Australian Border Force for surveillance operations from 2028. Housing Stress: New arrears data flags rising distress in outer suburbs, with Sydney and Melbourne singled out as most exposed.

AUKUS Watch: Labor MP Ed Husic has reopened debate after the weekend shift to buying three used US Virginia-class submarines instead of two plus a new build, with PM Albanese saying the plan has “always” involved used boats and Defence Industry Minister Pat Conroy arguing it’s easier and more cost-effective. Minimum Wage: The Fair Work Commission set a 5.97% jump for the national minimum hourly wage from 1 July and a 4.75% rise for minimum award rates, lifting pay for about 2.8 million workers. Scam Crackdown: New federal rules under a Scams Prevention Framework would require banks, telcos and key digital platforms to install protections and automatically reimburse eligible victims up to $3,000. Digital Infrastructure: Google and Telstra announced a partnership to boost resilient, secure terrestrial and subsea connectivity across Australia and the Asia-Pacific. Housing Pressure: Experts warn a downturn could push some new homeowners into negative equity, especially those on low-deposit schemes. Trade & Growth: Australia’s net trade dragged on the economy in Q1 as imports of data-centre equipment and fuel surged, widening the current account deficit. Business & Jobs: Small builders warn housing targets may be impossible without affordable apprentice training as renovation work slows. Health & Food: Fitness Outcomes launched high-protein frozen ready meals, while Verve Therapeutics reported early results for a one-time base-editing therapy targeting cholesterol.

Australia–PNG Business Forum: PNG PM James Marape told investors in Brisbane the relationship is “joined at the hips”, promising policy support so business wins can flow into health, education and power. Energy & renewables: Australia’s battery boom now lets operators shift 53% of new solar output beyond daylight hours, helping smooth evening peaks and reduce bills. Markets & geopolitics: ASX 200 was flat as Iran–US uncertainty kept traders cautious; global markets also wobbled on fresh Middle East risk. Cybersecurity: The US, EU, NATO, UK, Australia and Japan blamed Chinese hackers linked to China’s state security for attacks on Microsoft Exchange servers. Housing pressure: Property sentiment is turning as investors pull back from auctions after budget changes, with analysts warning declines could reach around 10%. Tax & investing: A reminder for Australians using options and derivatives: tax outcomes can differ from shares and may not be treated as capital gains. Defence ties: India and Australia pushed defence cooperation further in high-level talks in Delhi. Olympics: Brisbane’s 2032 Olympic stadium works began after protesters were removed, with Traditional Owners and environmental groups vowing legal action.

Energy & Tech: Google, European Energy Australia and AirTrunk are preparing the 25MW Mulwala Solar Farm in regional NSW to power data-centre growth, signalling how AI demand is pushing tech firms to fund renewables, not just buy grid power. AUKUS Submarines: Defence Minister Richard Marles says Australia will now buy only second-hand in-service Virginia-class nuclear submarines under AUKUS, aiming for simpler training and servicing despite the overall $370b program. Markets & Housing: Home prices flatlined nationally in May, but Sydney and Melbourne fell as higher borrowing costs, Middle East-driven energy pressure and planned property tax changes weigh on sellers and listings. Property Policy Impact: Auction clearance rates dropped to the lowest since early COVID, with Labor’s planned negative gearing and capital gains tax changes expected to cool investor demand and tighten rental supply. ASX Business: Peter Warren Automotive warns demand is collapsing after fuel-price shocks and rate hikes, while ASIC moves to investigate Corporate Travel Management over overdue reporting and disclosure issues. Climate & Gas: The Grattan Institute urges Australia to plan for life after gas, warning demand for domestic and LNG exports is set to decline faster than current strategy assumes. Defence Diplomacy: Rajnath Singh and Richard Marles will co-chair the second India-Australia Defence Ministers’ Dialogue in New Delhi, focusing on interoperability and industry co-development. Extremism & Security: Australia’s ISIS “widows” return debate is reigniting fears about extremism and integration risks. Health & Care: A new blood test approach for concussion in older adults is reported, while Support at Home queues remain large with ongoing-place approvals rising. Business & Investment: Syrah says Tesla has withdrawn a graphite supply termination notice, and 4DMedical shares jump after a European acquisition.

Housing & Cost of Living: Home prices in Australia’s capital cities have started to fall, with experts warning the slide could last at least a year and cut values by up to 10%, as higher interest rates squeeze buyer budgets and auction clearance hits a low. Energy & Geopolitics: The Middle East conflict is dragging on global air travel demand and pushing up jet fuel costs, while Australia’s construction sector is feeling the same shockwaves as material prices soar and projects stall. Defence & Indo-Pacific: Defence Ministers Rajnath Singh and Australia’s Richard Marles will co-chair the second India-Australia Defence Ministers’ Dialogue in New Delhi on June 1, with talks focused on interoperability, defence industry partnerships and co-development. Trade Watch: India and Oman’s CEPA kicks in from June 1, bringing broad duty-free access for Indian exports and boosting sectors like textiles and agriculture. Queensland Environment Process: Queensland’s Productivity Commission is seeking submissions on whether federal EPBC Act fast-tracking rules should be changed, after concerns resource projects are being excluded from faster assessment. AUKUS & Security: The US, UK and Australia are planning unmanned undersea vehicles to protect seabed cables and pipelines from sabotage threats.

Subsea Security Push: Australia’s Richard Marles says attacks on undersea cables are “historically unprecedented,” warning the country is among the most exposed nations as most internet traffic runs through a small number of cables. Defence Diplomacy: India’s defence chief Rajesh Kumar Singh met Australia’s Meghan Quinn in Singapore, reviewing the India-Australia partnership and looking at deeper cooperation. AUKUS Update: AUKUS partners agreed to streamline Australia’s Virginia-class submarine plan, with Australia set to receive three in-service boats. Fuel Relief Measures: Australia extended flexibility to release petrol and diesel from domestic reserves to September, citing tight global supply pressures linked to the Iran war. Traditional Owners’ Outrage: Traditional Owners say an Aboriginal rock shelter was destroyed during construction for a NSW renewable energy zone, calling it “lost forever.” Housing Affordability: New analysis suggests Sydney and Melbourne house prices may fall, but borrowing capacity is shrinking faster, keeping many buyers locked out. Hydrogen Ecosystem Debate: A report argues India’s green hydrogen success depends on building the full ecosystem, not just production capacity.

AI in Marketing: Kantar has joined the Australian Centre for AI in Marketing benchmarking push with IBM, aiming to track how organisations move from AI pilots to real governance and workforce capability. NT Post Office Fallout: A sharp op-ed says Australia Post’s shift to parcels and digital services is quietly hollowing out NT post offices that handle banking, identity and government transactions. Fuel Relief for Regional Qld: The federal government secured an extra 40 million litres of diesel for Queensland bottlenecks, alongside an extension to relaxed fuel stock rules. Retail Under Pressure: Deloitte warns Middle East-driven cost rises plus weaker demand are hitting retailers from both sides, cooling 2026 growth. Cattle Prices Jump: Rain across NSW helped lift young cattle and heavy cow prices, with some markets seeing “ridiculous increases.” Housing Tax Shock: Proposed Budget 2026 changes to CGT, negative gearing and trusts are set to reshape investment and could weigh on house prices. Qantas Share Pitch: A Motley Fool-style take argues Qantas under $10 looks reasonable on valuation and dividends returning. Health & Safety: Regulators are struggling with online promotion of unapproved peptide injections, with contamination and serious side effects flagged. Community & Culture: A long-awaited return to Country for Irrwanyere man Thomas Cowell follows decades in museum care.

Geopolitics & Markets: Australian shares jumped 1.6% after reports the US and Iran agreed to extend a ceasefire by 60 days and ease shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, lifting risk appetite even as inflation worries linger. Defence & Environment: Australia launched a record $1.4b lawsuit against 3M over “forever chemicals” (PFAS) in firefighting foam used at 28 defence sites, seeking costs for investigation, remediation and mitigation. Finance & Superannuation: APRA tightened licensing conditions for HUB24 Super Fund’s trustee after governance and monitoring deficiencies around adding investment options and managing conflicts of interest. Corporate Accountability: KPMG Australia’s CEO Andrew Yates resigned after a failed whistleblower investigation, with the audit head also stepping down. Energy & Power: Victoria declared five onshore renewable energy zones to coordinate wind, solar and batteries as coal plants near closure. Tech & Safety: Hyundai Australia warned some AI-enabled EV chargers could bypass vehicle protections, risking battery damage and fires. Trade & Diplomacy: The Quad announced new Indo-Pacific maritime security initiatives and plans for a first joint port project in Fiji. Aviation Defence Tech: Boeing’s MQ-28 Ghost Bat completed its first operational flights outside Australia in the US, testing autonomous functions from an allied base.

PFAS Legal Push: Australia has launched a record $1.4b (and reported $2b) lawsuit against 3M over “forever chemicals” from firefighting foam at defence bases, escalating pressure over cleanup costs. AI Safety & Governance: A philosopher and RAAF reservist, Dr Kate Conroy, has been appointed to help set up the federal Australian AI Safety Institute, tasked with monitoring and sharing AI risks. Consumer Watchdog Action: The ACCC has started legal action against Amazon’s local unit over children’s backpacks allegedly missing required button-battery warning labels. Retail Jobs & Offshoring: Officeworks is cutting customer service roles in Australia as work shifts to overseas centres, alongside more automation. Energy & Industry: BHP is partnering with Indigenous-led YEC to explore reliable, scalable electricity for Pilbara operations, while Wannon Water and Enervest have completed one of Australia’s largest floating solar arrays. Business & Markets: IMAX says Australia is “vastly underpenetrated” after a record Q1, and Asian markets were mixed with Australia’s ASX 200 up in early trade. Community & Health: A Shoalhaven family with a disabled son is pleading to scrap a proposed NSW service road, warning noise and sensory disruption could trigger seizures.

India-Australia Ties: PM Anthony Albanese praised deepening links with India across trade, education, culture and cricket, saying he looks forward to hosting Narendra Modi again soon. Defence Diplomacy: Deputy PM and Defence Minister Richard Marles heads to India for the second Australia-India Defence Ministers’ Dialogue with Rajnath Singh, focusing on maritime security and defence industry cooperation. PFAS Legal Fight: Australia has launched a record $1.4b lawsuit against 3M over “forever chemicals” in firefighting foam used at 28 defence bases, seeking compensation for cleanup and alleged misrepresentations. Gas Infrastructure: Worley won a framework agreement with APA to support gas transmission and storage projects, including digital enablement and standardised designs. Regional Victoria: A push for a “Fair Share Guarantee” claims regional Victoria received under 12% of 2025-26 infrastructure spending, arguing for 25% of new spend to go to regional projects. Community & Culture: State Library Victoria is seeking $2m to digitise at-risk oral histories, while Victoria’s free Awakening Chinatown festival returns to lower Fisgard Street this Sunday. Business Tech: Orbital selected Banking Circle to expand regulated payment corridors, and Adyen-backed ROLLER Capital launched fast financing for leisure venue operators.

Housing & Tax: Labor has introduced sweeping tax changes in parliament, including scrapping the capital gains discount and limiting negative gearing to newly built homes, with a three-week Senate inquiry set to spark a fresh fight with business and start-ups. PFAS Legal War: The federal government has launched its “largest ever” $2bn lawsuit against 3M over PFAS “forever chemicals” from firefighting foam at 28 defence bases, alleging withheld information and misrepresentation. Economy Watch: Australia’s CPI eased to 4.2% in April (from 4.6%), though core pressures remain, while business investment jumped 6.5% in Q1 on data-centre spending. Scams Relief Plan: A new proposal would automatically reimburse victims who lose up to $3,000 to scams, aiming to reduce harm as targeting rises. Energy & Climate: Greenpeace warns data-centre growth could push Australia toward more gas unless renewable supply and storage are expanded fast enough. Right to Repair: The government is moving to extend right-to-repair rules to agricultural vehicles and machinery to cut downtime and loosen manufacturer control of repair information. Regional Jobs: NSW’s Parkes precinct is set for $65m in private investment and 100+ permanent jobs from cold storage, steel fabrication and advanced plastic recycling projects.