The Economic Perspective 13 June 2025

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

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Good morning readers, 

This week, our company principal, Val, wrapped up a successful visit to Sydney and is now in Brisbane, connecting with wonderful clients and colleagues. During her time in both cities, discussions centred around how BGA’s expertise across various sectors—from resource economics to biodiversity—continues to support projects that drive positive impact. As always, the trip included some downtime, during which the team enjoyed a traditional laksa bowl together. 

This week focuses on supply chains, cleaner oceans and education. First, an article discussing China’s role in the global market for rare-earths and high-power magnets, and how Australia could step in as a supplier. Then, we cover two recent NSW government publications: a major report by Transport NSW detailing reforms to freight train networks, and a confirmation of public-school spending figures by the Department of Education.

For our sea life enthusiasts, the 2025 United Nations Ocean Conference was held this week in Nice, France, where six leading development banks launched the Clean Oceans Initiative 2.0. This week’s video highlights a branch of Great Barrier Reef conservation research aiming to genetically analyse the toughest coral species living in mangrove lagoons.  

Hope you enjoy the articles, and have a great weekend!

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China has a stranglehold on the world's rare-earths supply chain. Can Australia break it? 

Australia’s industry is over-reliant on Chinese rare-earths and magnets exports, along with the rest of the world. China holds nearly 90% of global rare-earths processing capacity and has been willing to withhold supply for strategic objectives, resulting in the recent disruptions to US car manufacturing. Australia has an opportunity to step in as a supplier, either by developing local supply chains or partnering with emerging magnet manufacturers. Read more here.

NSW freight industry to grow to $130 billion: Report 

A new report from Transport NSW sets out freight policy reform plans, predicting growth of $57.5B and an additional 235,000 workers in the freight sector by 2061. The report also details initiatives to increase efficiency and addresses port policy, industrial land availability, and labour shortages, preparing freight networks for population growth and changing technology. Read more here.

Record funding for NSW public school students 

The NSW government has recently emphasized its funding expansions for public education, confirming a total investment of $13.1B in the 2025 calendar year. Funding is being directed towards early intervention programs, including the Small Group Tuition Program, Year 1 Phonics Support Program, and Year 1 Number Screening Check, in response to declining NAPLAN results. Read more here.

Clean Oceans Initiative 2.0 Targets €3B to Combat Plastic Pollution and Boost Circular Economy 

The 2018 Clean Oceans Initiative (COI) reached its €4B target seven months ahead of schedule, financing plastic pollution reduction and waste management. Now, the COI 2.0 commits €3B for 2026-2030 and expands its focus to include prevention strategies, circular economy models and impact indicators, and sees the Asian Development Bank join as the sixth member organisation. Read more here.

How 'super corals' can give the Great Barrier Reef a fighting chance

The rate of coral loss in the Great Barrier Reef is intensifying as the ocean becomes hotter, more acidic, and poorly oxygenated. The University of Technology Sydney has discovered coral communities living in mangrove lagoons which thrive in those same extreme conditions, and researchers aim to find genes in these ‘super corals’ that contribute to their tolerance, hoping to open pathways for future conservation.

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