Economic Perspective 10 April 2026

The Latest Trending Economic News Curated for You by Balmoral Group Australia

Hello Dear Readers,

We begin this edition looking at the relationship of AI adoption and hiring practices in Australia. New research tentatively suggests that AI adoption does not drive job cuts; instead, it can increase labour demand for non-AI roles as well as new skills. Next, news from international regulations hints at future microplastics water mandates if Australian policy follows America's lead, since the US EPA has formally recognised Microplastics in drinking water regulation. Additionally, new guidance from the EU on their upcoming sustainable packaging standards, which will impose sweeping changes, signals broad shifts towards reusable and recyclable packaging, with Australia's DCCEEW also leading the front. To wrap up this week's edition, we’ve included a visualisation from the Australian AI adoption and demand for workers study mentioned above.

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Hope you enjoy the articles and have a lovely weekend!

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AI adopters aren’t cutting jobs, they’re creating them

A new study on the real-world practices of AI-adopting Australian firms has found that adopters posted 36% more non-AI job ads over a three year period (2016-2019) than non-adopters - meaning AI-adopting firms are leaning into new employment. However, it was not clear whether new hiring was due to replacement of existing staff with AI-skilled workers, or overall increase in the number of workers. Either way, the paper suggests AI tools augment rather than replace human capability. Read more here. 

Microplastics in drinking water push US regulatory shift 

Microplastics have been formally recognised in US regulations by their Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), including microplastics as a contaminant group for future regulation besides PFAS, pharmaceuticals and disinfection byproducts. This signals a likely progression from research and monitoring to enforceable standards, and Australian utilities may need to assess current treatment capabilities to understand how microplastics can be effectively removed. Read more here.  

The European Commission Issues New Packaging Rules Guidance To Cut Waste, Align EU Market 

The EU released new guidance to support implementation of the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR). The guidance explains correct interpretation of the regulation, which will introduce sweeping changes across packaging design, materials, reuse targets and producer obligations. Companies operating in the EU will need to reassess packaging portfolios, invest in recycling and reusability, and ensure compliance across the supply chain. The PPWR becomes binding on August 12th. Read more here. 

New Packaging Reforms Challenge Coffee Industry 

This article gives additional context on the PPWR by highlighting the movement of global markets towards sustainable packaging, and the challenges imposed on industry. The EU PPWR is accompanied by the incoming Australian National Waste Policy delivered by the DCCEEW, which will comprise consistent national standards for recyclable, reusable or compostable Australian packaging. Effects on one industry paint a picture of broader national effects: coffee packaging suppliers will have to change material formulas, report additional data, and update labelling to reflect composition. Read more here.

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Firms that adopted AI showed stronger growth in demand for new workers

The figure from a new labour market study suggests that demand for non-AI workers is stronger in firms that have adopted AI innovations, contrary to popular belief. 

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