Australia's economy grew by 2.3 per cent in the 2025–26 financial year, according to figures released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics. Output per person rose by only 0.8 per cent, which the figures attribute to population growth. Households saved a larger share of their income, with the saving ratio rising to 6.1 per cent from 5.5 per cent. The Consumer Price Index rose 4.0 per cent in the year to August 2026, and unemployment reached 4.7 per cent in September.
Australia's newest airport, Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport, opens to commercial passengers on Sunday. The facility, built on the Badgerys Creek site, is expected to transform the region into an economic powerhouse. Leaders hope it will handle over 80 million passengers annually by the 2060s, with seven carriers already committed to servicing it. The airport is designed to expand with the city, potentially adding more terminals and a second runway.
China's economy grew 4.5 per cent in the July-September quarter compared with a year earlier, official data released on Monday showed. The result beat expectations and was up from 4.3 per cent in the April-June period. Exports rose 21.3 per cent over the first nine months, but domestic consumer spending and investment remain weak. The property downturn and falling land sales revenue for local governments are also weighing on recovery.
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Business leaders, investors and industry representatives will meet in Narrabri on 22 October to explore investment opportunities and economic growth in the New England North West. The forum, hosted by Business NSW New England North West and Narrabri Shire Council, will focus on turning regional innovation into jobs and long-term economic opportunities. Speakers include Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development investment manager Karina Tyler and National Australia Bank small business banker Brendon Grosse.
