Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Overall consumer spending momentum remained solid across Australia, while Sydney’s wettest August in decades dampened the rise in spending in the harbour city.

11 September 2025 – The CommBank Household Spending Insights (HSI) Index recorded another month of gains in August, extending six consecutive months of better growth as household spending returns to a more stable footing.

The CommBank HSI Index rose 0.3 per cent in the month, following a 0.7 per cent lift in July and 0.5 per cent rises in both May and June.

Nine of the 12 categories rose in August, led by Utilities (+2.9 per cent), Communications and Digital (+1.0 per cent), Recreation (+0.6 per cent), Education (+0.6 per cent) and Household Services (+0.5 per cent). Modest increases were also seen in Motor vehicles, Health, Transport and Hospitality.

Insurance (-0.1 per cent) posted its first monthly fall since January 2024, while Household Goods (-0.3 per cent) and Food & Beverage Goods (-0.1 per cent) edged lower following strong mid-year activity.

“We’ve now seen six months of solid growth, reinforcing our view that a consumer recovery is underway after a series of false starts last year and early into 2025. The combination of growing incomes, a solid labour market and lower interest rates is helping improve household sentiment as consumers are able to both spend and save again,” Head of Australian Economics Belinda Allen said.

“Utilities was the top spending category in August, that uptick is largely driven by general volatility in energy bill payments, as well as the timing of energy price rebates. More interesting is the strong increase in spending on Communications and Digital, which reflects the longer-running, structural shift in consumers favouring spending on experiences rather than goods.

“In particular, August’s spending increase is propelled by the surging popularity of online services like gaming and streaming, as well as the impact of weather. The wettest August in 27 years in Sydney likely had a hand in higher spending on food delivery services and lower spending in cafes during the month.”

On an annual basis, household spending is now up 5 per cent, with the strongest gains seen in Communications and Digital (+10.6 per cent), Utilities (+9.4 per cent), Recreation (+8.3 per cent) and Hospitality (+7.7 per cent), while Transport remains in negative territory (-1.6 per cent) due to petrol price falls.

The broader economic backdrop remains supportive. The RBA has cut the cash rate three times in 2025 in a cautious easing cycle, with moderating inflation and last year’s tax cuts providing further support for households.

Recent GDP data showed the Australian economy picking up momentum more than expected, underpinned by a stronger-than-anticipated consumer sector.

Ms Allen said CommBank continues to expect only one further rate cut from the Reserve Bank of Australia this cycle.

“With the broader economy showing signs of resilience and the consumer returning to a more solid footing, we don’t see the need for the RBA to go much further. We continue to expect just one more cut in November, but no change at the RBA’s September meeting.

“As we look to 2026, we expect to see both consumer spending and the broader economy continue to improve back to around the rate of potential economic growth. “

The CommBank HSI Index tracks month-on-month data at a macro level and is based on de-identified payments data from approximately 7 million CBA customers, comprising roughly 30 per cent of all Australian consumer transactions.

Algiers, Algeria, 10 September 2025: – Shelter Afrique Development Bank (ShafDB) and African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) have signed a groundbreaking Joint Project Preparation Facility (JPPF) Framework Agreement. This strategic partnership aims to unlock a cumulative investment value of at least US$1 billion and is set to significantly transform housing and urban development across the continent and boost trade and investment.

Signed on the sidelines of the ongoing fourth Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF2025) by Mr. Thierno-Habib Hann, Managing Director and CEO, ShafDB, and  Ms. Oluranti Doherty, Managing Director, Export Development Afreximbank, the agreement aims to provide early-stage project preparation financing, propelling projects from concept to bankability efficiently and effectively.

The JPPF will primarily support priority sectors including building and construction, housing, healthcare, hospitality and tourism, industrial, manufacturing of building materials, commercial and residential infrastructure, and logistical platforms such as industrial zones and special economic zones.

In addition to financing, the JPPF also incorporates a robust capacity-building programme aimed at enhancing the project preparation skills of ShafDB staff, empowering them with essential skills to develop bankable and impactful projects.

Commenting on the partnership, Ms. Doherty, stated: “We are thrilled to collaborate with Shelter Afrique Development Bank to accelerate sustainable urban development across Africa. This partnership aligns with our shared vision of promoting economic growth and enhancing the quality of projects on the continent. By combining ShafDB's expertise in housing and urban development and Afreximbank's extensive experience in project preparation, we are poised to unlock new opportunities and deliver transformative projects in critical sectors that will amongst other benefits establish economic hubs and platforms that will promote trade and tradable services. The JPPF will act as a catalyst for private sector investment, leading to substantial socio-economic development across the continent. Furthermore, our capacity-building programme will equip ShafDB staff with essential project preparation skills, ensuring sustainable project pipelines in the years to come.”

Commenting on the signing, Mr. Thierno-Habib Hann, Managing Director, ShafDB said: “Our sector faces two major structural challenges: the lack of reliable data and the insufficient preparation of projects. At ShafDB, we have already taken bold steps to address the first challenge through our VIRAL model — a data-driven framework designed to provide actionable insights and support evidence-based decision-making in housing and urban development. Today, we are proud to tackle the second challenge through this strategic partnership with Afreximbank. The Joint Project Preparation Facility will enable us to move projects from concept to bankability with speed and precision, unlocking over US$1 billion in investments. This is a transformative step toward building resilient, inclusive, and sustainable cities across Africa.”

Both Afreximbank and ShafDB are members of the Alliance of African Multilateral Financial Institutions (AAMFI), underscoring their commitment to collaboration and innovation in fostering economic development and growth across the continent.

IATF2025, which is being held from 4 to 10 September, is projected to result in the conclusion of trade and investment deals valued at over US$44 billion.

Notes

About Shelter Afrique Development Bank (ShafDB)

Established in 1981 in Lusaka, Zambia, Shelter Afrique Development Bank (ShafDB) is a Pan-African Multilateral Development Bank (MDB) dedicated to promoting and financing sustainable green housing, urban development and related infrastructure. It operates through a shareholding of 44 African governments and two institutional shareholders: African Development Bank (AfDB) and African Reinsurance Corporation (Africa-Re).

The institution is involved in financing housing and related infrastructure across the value chain, both on the demand and supply sides, through its four (4) business lines: Financial Institutions Group (FIG), the Project Finance Group (PFG), the Sovereign and Public-Private partnerships (PPP) Group, and the Fund Management Group (FMG).

For more information, visit: https://www.shelterafrique.org/

About Afreximbank

African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) is a Pan-African multilateral financial institution mandated to finance and promote intra- and extra-African trade. For over 30 years, the Bank has been deploying innovative structures to deliver financing solutions that support the transformation of the structure of Africa's trade, accelerating industrialisation and intra-regional trade, thereby boosting economic expansion in Africa. A stalwart supporter of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA), Afreximbank has launched a Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS) that was adopted by the African Union (AU) as the payment and settlement platform to underpin the implementation of the AfCFTA. Working with the AfCFTA Secretariat and the AU, the Bank has set up a US$10 billion Adjustment Fund to support countries effectively participating in the AfCFTA. At the end of December 2024, Afreximbank's total assets and contingencies stood at over US$40.1 billion, and its shareholder funds amounted to US$7.2 billion. Afreximbank has investment grade ratings assigned by GCR (international scale) (A), Moody's (Baa2), China Chengxin International Credit Rating Co., Ltd (CCXI) (AAA), Japan Credit Rating Agency (JCR) (A-) and Fitch (BBB-). Afreximbank has evolved into a group entity comprising the Bank, its equity impact fund subsidiary called the Fund for Export Development Africa (FEDA), and its insurance management subsidiary, AfrexInsure (together, “the Group”). The Bank is headquartered in Cairo, Egypt.  For more information, visit: www.afreximbank.com

About the Intra-African Trade Fair

Organised by African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), African Union Commission (AUC) and African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat, the Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF) is intended to provide a unique platform for facilitating trade and investment information exchange in support of increased intra-African trade and investment, especially in the context of implementing the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA). IATF brings together continental and global players to showcase and exhibit their goods and services and to explore business and investment opportunities in the continent. It also provides a platform to share trade, investment and market information with stakeholders and allows participants to discuss and identify solutions to the challenges confronting intra-African trade and investment. In addition to African participants, the Trade Fair is also open to businesses and investors from non-African countries interested in doing business in Africa and in supporting the continent's transformation through industrialisation and export development.

The Coincident and Leading Barometers rise in September for the fourth consecutive month, mainly due to slightly more favourable assessments and clearly brighter expectations in the Asia, Pacific & Africa region.

In September, the Global Economic Coincident Barometer rises by 0.3 points to 98.6 points, while the Leading Barometer increases by 1.6 points to 102.4 points. Both indicators reach their highest levels since February of this year. The regional components of both Barometers remain relatively stable during the month, except for the Leading indicators from the Asia, Pacific & Africa region, which record a marked rise in September.

“Both the coincident and leading global barometers have now fully recovered from the impact of Liberation Day. The US tariff announcements made in early August do not appear to have had a significant impact. While the leading indicator has remained slightly above average for two consecutive months, the coincident indicator appears to be steadily approaching its long-term average. This is generally positive, as it suggests that the world economy is on a steady path to recovery, despite ongoing geopolitical turmoil”, comments KOF Director Jan-Egbert Sturm the latest results.

Coincident Barometer – regions and sectors

The slight 0.3-point increase in the Coincident Barometer in September results from positive contributions of 0.2 and 0.1 points from the Asia, Pacific & Africa and Western Hemisphere regions, respectively. The Europe indicator remains stable during the month, suggesting a pause after rising between June and August. All three indicators stabilize near the neutral 100-point level.

Among the coincident sectoral indicators, results are mixed, with Industry and Services rising, while the other sectors move in the opposite direction.

Leading Barometer – regions and sectors

The 1.6-point increase in the Global Leading Barometer in September results from a positive contribution of 1.8 points from the Asia, Pacific & Africa region, a negative contribution of 0.2 points from the Western Hemisphere, and stability in the Europe region. All three regional indicators remain above the 100-point level, with the Western Hemisphere showing signs of stabilization after recent increases.The Leading Global Barometer leads the world economic growth rate cycle by three to six months on average.

All leading sectoral indicators rise in September, except for Construction, which continues to show some volatility since June of this year. Notably, the Economy indicator (which is based on variables representing overall business and consumer evaluations) reaches its highest level since February 2022 (107.8 points).

September 10 2025 – Wholesale prices in the US unexpectedly fell in August, adding fresh momentum to bets that the Federal Reserve will cut interest rates next week, with markets now focused on tomorrow's consumer price index for the final confirmation.

This is the bullish analysis from the CEO of one of the world's largest independent financial advisory and asset management organizations as the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported Wednesday that the producer price index (PPI) fell 0.1% in August, compared to expectations for a 0.3% rise.

Core PPI, which strips out volatile food and energy components, also declined 0.1% against forecasts of a 0.3% increase.

Nigel Green, chief executive of deVere Group, comments: “This surprise decline in wholesale prices strengthens the already powerful case for the Fed to begin easing policy.

“The debate is no longer about whether the central bank cuts rates, but about the size of that first cut. Futures markets are fully pricing in a 25-basis-point reduction, with growing speculation around a larger 50-point move.”

Markets immediately reinforced that view. Treasury yields slipped further as bond traders positioned for easier policy.

The dollar weakened against major peers, while risk-sensitive currencies such as the Australian and New Zealand dollars advanced. Gold and silver remained elevated, reflecting ongoing demand for hedges in a looser monetary environment.

“This PPI release is crucial because it signals that underlying price pressures are not only moderating but, in some categories, reversing,” explains the deVere CEO.

“It reduces the risk that the Fed faces a credibility problem if it cuts rates with inflation still running hot. Today's numbers give policymakers the space they need.”

The focus now shifts to Thursday's CPI report, which will provide the most important signal ahead of the September FOMC meeting. Traders expect that even an upside surprise would alter only the size of the cut, not its inevitability.

“Tomorrow's CPI will be dissected line by line, but the bigger picture is already clear,” adds Nigel Green.

“With the labor market weakening after last week's sweeping payroll revisions, and now producer prices cooling, the Fed has the green light. Inflation is no longer the binding constraint it once was. Growth and jobs are taking precedence.”

President Donald Trump's calls for lower rates, aimed at countering the impact of sweeping tariffs and reducing borrowing costs on national debt, have added to the backdrop, though the PPI decline underscores that economic conditions themselves justify action.

Nigel Green concludes: “Today's PPI shock locks in the trajectory.

“Tomorrow's CPI may set the pace, but the destination is unchanged: the Fed is about to cut rates for the first time since 2020.

“Markets are preparing accordingly, and equities look set to push into record territory.”

Responding to the Hong Kong government’s rejection of a bill that proposed a new legal framework for registering same-sex partnerships, Amnesty International’s Researcher/Policy Advisor on Gender, Nadia Rahman, said:

“Today the Hong Kong government has failed to address the inequality faced by same-sex couples in all areas of their lives. The proposed bill on same-sex partnerships was flawed, but in rejecting it the government has shown an alarming disdain for LGBTI rights.

“This bill would have provided the bare minimum of protection for same-sex couples – but notably, only those who registered their partnership overseas. On this and other grounds, the draft considered today falls far short of the intentions of the Court ruling that triggered it two years ago.

“Yet even a small step forward in rights for same-sex couples has proved unpalatable to the Legislative Council. It is a setback which shows just how far Hong Kong has to go before everyone in the city can enjoy equal rights.

“The failure of this bill must not be the end of efforts to improve the rights of same-sex couples in Hong Kong. On the contrary, it should be the catalyst for the authorities to produce a stronger bill that enables LGBTI people in Hong Kong to live with equality and dignity.

“Authorities must now urgently introduce a revised bill that establishes a comprehensive legal framework to recognize and protect the rights of same-sex couples, in full compliance with the Court’s ruling. No one should face discrimination because of who they are or whom they love.”

Background

Heather Boushey named Professor of Practice at Kleinman Center for Energy Policy

The Kleinman Center for Energy Policy at the University of Pennsylvania’s Stuart Weitzman School of Design is pleased to announce former White House economist Heather Boushey as its newest professor of practice. Boushey will take a leadership role in defining new opportunities for economic policy to influence the energy transition.

Boushey recently served as a member of President Biden’s Council of Economic Advisers and chief economist for the White House’s Investing in America cabinet, where she was central in shaping and implementing the administration’s industrial policy agenda.

“We are delighted to have Heather join a community of scholars here who also care deeply about the energy transition,” said Weitzman Dean and Paley Professor Fritz Steiner.

“Heather brings a wealth of experience from the D.C. policymaking arena,” said Sanya Carley, the Mark Alan Hughes Faculty Director of the Kleinman Center. “And throughout her career she has demonstrated a commitment to a fair economy for all.”

Boushey co-founded the Washington Center for Equitable Growth, where she advanced research on how inequality affects economic performance. Early in her career, she was an economist for the Center for American Progress, Joint Economic Committee of the U.S. Congress, Center for Economic and Policy Research, and Economic Policy Institute.

In one of her books, Unbound: How Economic Inequality Constricts Our Economy and What We Can Do About It, Boushey argues that we do not have to choose between equality and prosperity. Through the data, she demonstrates that rising inequality has in fact deterred growth and is an impediment to a competitive U.S. marketplace. Boushey also co-edited After Piketty: The Agenda for Economics and Inequality, a volume of 22 essays about integrating inequality into economic thinking.

Boushey is widely respected as a leader in her industry. The New York Times called her one of the “most vibrant voices in the field,” and “at the forefront of a generation of economists rethinking their discipline,” and Politico has twice named her one of the top 50 “thinkers, doers and visionaries transforming American politics.”

“I’m looking forward to continuing my career here at the Kleinman Center—moving research and policy forward on topics essential to a sustainable energy transition, which itself, is a critical component of a healthy economy,” said Boushey, who received her Bachelor of Arts degree from Hampshire College and her Ph.D. in economics from the New School for Social Research. She arrives at Penn in September, following a senior fellowship at the Reimagining the Economy project at the Harvard Kennedy School.

With today’s announcement, the Kleinman Center expands its impact on campus with a total of four professors dedicated to energy policy research and teaching.

Jennifer Wilcox, with an expertise in carbon management, was the first professor to join the Kleinman Center and holds a second appointment in the School of Engineering and Applied Science. Shelley Welton focuses on energy institutions and governance. She holds a second appointment at Penn Carey School of Law. Sanya Carley specializes in energy policy design and holds a second appointment in the Department of City and Regional Planning at the Stuart Weitzman School of Design. Carley is also the faculty director of the Kleinman Center.

About the Kleinman Center. The Kleinman Center for Energy Policy operates within the University of Pennsylvania Stuart Weitzman School of Design. Its mission is to create the conditions for innovative energy policy that support smart, responsible, and creative decision making.

About the Weitzman School. The University of Pennsylvania Stuart Weitzman School of Design prepares students to address complex sociocultural and environmental issues through thoughtful inquiry, creative expression, and innovation. As a diverse community of scholars and practitioners, we are committed to advancing the public good—both locally and globally—through art, design, planning, and preservation.

First automated tool that quickly analyses RNA changes across thousands of biological samples
Scientists can now better understand how cells adapt to stress, infections or diseases by studying tiny chemical changes in RNA – a molecule that carries genetic instructions from DNA and regulates how genes respond to challenges
This will help the healthcare and biomedical industry better identify disease markers, and develop targeted therapies and personalised treatment for diseases such as cancer and antibiotic-resistant infections

Singapore, 04 September 2025 – Researchers at the Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) interdisciplinary research group of the Singapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology (SMART), Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s (MIT) research enterprise in Singapore, have developed a powerful tool capable of scanning thousands of biological samples to detect transfer ribonucleic acid (tRNA) modifications — tiny chemical changes to RNA molecules that help control how cells grow, adapt to stress and respond to diseases such as cancer and antibiotic‑resistant infections. This tool opens up new possibilities for science, healthcare and industry — from accelerating disease research and enabling more precise diagnostics, to guiding the development of more effective medical treatments for diseases such as cancer and antibiotic-resistant infections.

The research was led by SMART AMR, in collaboration with Nanyang Technological University (NTU Singapore), University of Florida, University at Albany, Lodz University of Technology and MIT.

Addressing current limitations in RNA modification profiling

September 8 2025 – The euro and French government bonds are bracing for renewed turbulence, warns global financial advisory giant deVere Group, as investors weigh the fallout of a political showdown in Paris that could topple Prime Minister François Bayrou's minority administration.

The common currency slipped from a five-week high against the dollar as traders booked profits and cut risk exposure ahead of a knife-edge confidence vote in France.

With Bayrou struggling to secure parliamentary backing for his austerity-driven budget, markets are preparing for the prospect of yet another collapse in government and a fresh wave of political uncertainty in the eurozone's second-largest economy.

Nigel Green, chief executive of deVere Group, says: “The euro is in for short-term swings as political risk in France intensifies.

“Investors are repositioning quickly because the prospect of Bayrou's government falling is very real, and the implications extend far beyond Paris.

“This matters for Europe's credibility on fiscal discipline and for wider market sentiment.”

Bayrou's €44 billion package of budget cuts, intended to narrow the deficit from 5.8% of GDP in 2024 to 4.6% in 2026, has met resistance across the political spectrum.

Opposition parties from both left and right have refused to back his plans, condemning proposed spending freezes, tax increases, and even controversial measures such as scrapping two public holidays.

If the confidence vote fails, it would mark the second French government collapse in less than a year, after Michel Barnier's administration imploded last December.

French bond yields have already begun reflecting investor nerves. The 30-year yield climbed last week before retreating, and now hovers at 4.35%, while the 10-year stands at 3.43%.

Traders fear a sustained period of political paralysis could drive yields higher, tightening financial conditions in a country already under pressure from sluggish growth, heavy debt loads, and European Union budget rules.

Nigel Green notes: “The bond market is a barometer of confidence, and right now it's flashing amber.

“Investors are demanding more compensation to hold long-dated French debt because the political backdrop is so uncertain. This uncertainty could easily spill over into the wider eurozone market.”

If Bayrou's administration collapses, President Emmanuel Macron would be forced to name his fifth prime minister in less than two years, underscoring the instability at the heart of French politics.

Macron's decision to call a snap parliamentary election last year was meant to clarify the balance of power but instead fractured it further, leaving France with a cycle of weak minority governments unable to build consensus.

The fallout of this latest episode will not be confined to France alone. The euro, already under pressure from divergent growth and inflation dynamics across the bloc, “will face renewed scrutiny,” explains the deVere CEO.

Investors are “sensitive to signs that one of the eurozone's core economies is politically rudderless”, particularly at a time when global markets are on edge over interest rate shifts and slowing global trade.

Nigel Green says: “We expect heightened volatility in the euro as traders reassess European risk.

“Political instability in a major member state undermines confidence in the currency, particularly when the European Central Bank is already navigating complex policy choices on inflation and growth.

“Currency markets dislike uncertainty, and that's exactly what France is delivering right now.”

While longer-term structural reforms may eventually emerge, the near-term picture is fraught with risk.

A government collapse could mean fresh elections or drawn-out coalition talks, both of which would prolong instability and spook international investors. In the meantime, traders will price in wider risk premiums for eurozone assets.

Nigel Green concludes: “The euro and French bonds are set for short-term turbulence. Investors should be prepared for choppier trading conditions as politics drives sentiment.

“For those with an eye on the medium term, volatility also creates opportunity, but the next few weeks will demand heightened vigilance.

“For now, both the euro and French sovereign debt are caught in the crossfire of a confidence vote that could reshape the balance of power in Europe.”

deVere Group is one of the world's largest independent advisors of specialist global financial solutions to international, local mass affluent, and high-net-worth clients.  It has a network of offices around the world, more than 80,000 clients, and $14bn under advisement.

08 SEPTEMBER 2025 – Equinor and Shell announce the appointment of Neil McCulloch as Chief Executive Officer and Nicoletta Giadrossi as Chair of their offshore UK Incorporated Joint Venture, Adura.

These appointments mark a key step in establishing Adura as the UK North Sea’s largest independent producer, underscoring the company’s focus on operational excellence, strong governance, and a clear vision for the future of UK oil and gas.

Neil McCulloch

Neil McCulloch brings more than 30 years of leadership experience in the energy sector, with a strong track record in improving operational and safety performance. He is currently the CEO of Spirit Energy, and has championed the role of oil and gas in supporting the UK’s energy transition.

“I’m honoured to lead Adura at this pivotal moment,” said McCulloch. “Adura has a clear purpose — to deliver secure energy for the UK. I look forward to working with our talented team to build a business that is operationally excellent, future-focused, and grounded in strong values.”

Nicoletta Giadrossi

Nicoletta Giadrossi is an experienced Chair and Non-Executive Director in listed and private companies in Energy and Infrastructure. She has led four boards and is currently chairing MSX International, a global company providing technical services to the mobility sector. Nicoletta is also a board member in Vopak NV, the global storage infrastructure company, and in Renew Global plc, the leading renewables producer in India.

“Adura represents a unique opportunity to shape the future of UK energy,”said Giadrossi. “I’m excited to work with Neil and the Board to ensure Adura delivers long-term value for all stakeholders — with safety, sustainability, and performance at its core.”

The creation of Adura was announced in December 2024, following the decision by Equinor and Shell to combine their UK offshore oil and gas assets into a new incorporated joint venture. Adura will sustain domestic oil and gas production and security of energy supply in the UK and beyond, headquartered at the Silver Fin building in Aberdeen city centre.

Work continues towards securing regulatory approvals, with launch of Adura anticipated by the end of 2025.

Notes

The NSW border town of Albury experienced a 16-fold increase in net migration from capitals in the year to June 2025.

Regional Australia remains a strong draw for city dwellers, with 26 per cent more people relocating from capital cities to regional areas than vice versa, according to the June Quarter Regional Mover Index (RMI).

Top-performing centres such as Albury (NSW), Townsville (QLD), and Bendigo (VIC) are attracting new residents with their affordability, lifestyle, and opportunities. After taking the lead in the March quarter, Greater Geelong has slipped back to second place. The Sunshine Coast returned to the number one spot for net migration to Australia’s regions in the year to June 2025.

“Across Australia, this quarterly report shows an overall downturn in movement across the country of 15.2 per cent, which includes capital to capital relocation. However, regional Australia is no longer a second choice – it’s the smart choice. From career opportunities to community connection, the regions are delivering,” said Liz Ritchie, CEO of the Regional Australia Institute (RAI).

Queensland maintains its position as a leading destination for internal migration, boosting its share of net movement from capital cities to regional areas from 19 per cent in 2023-2024 to 31 per cent in 2024–25, now second only to New South Wales at 34 per cent. Tasmania also reversed its net outflows, recording a 4 per cent net inflow to regional areas.

The East Pilbara region in WA led growth hotspots with a 311 per cent annual increase in migration, followed by Hinchinbrook (QLD), Murrindindi (NSW), Greater Shepparton (VIC), and Albury (NSW).

Albury saw an incredible 16-fold increase in net migration from capitals in the year to June 2025.

“Albury and neighbouring Wodonga offer exceptional lifestyle and economic opportunities attracting both business investment and workers choosing to relocate there,” said Kylie Allen, CBA's Executive General Manager Regional and Agribusiness Banking.

“With more affordable land in close proximity to major cities and airports, a range of major employers based there that are continuing to recruit, educational institutions and many lifestyle benefits, it’s no surprise to see how these regions are thriving.

“Albury and Wodonga are an example of how successful regions have a mix of good infrastructure, employment opportunities, available housing and lifestyle benefits to attract the many Australians who want to leave the cities for a tree change. It’s exciting to see how many regional businesses, and large employers, are looking for ways to create opportunity in regional Australia to create prosperity in their communities and drive growth.”

The Australian Government has committed $7 million to three new projects in Albury-Wodonga, including the Oddies Creek Splash Park, Wodonga Creek precinct, and the Advanced Manufacturing Centre of Excellence.

One company aiming to take advantage of the opportunities in Albury is Beechworth Bakery. Founded in 1984, the business has grown into a regional icon with eight locations across Victoria and New South Wales, employing around 300 staff. Managing Director Marty Matassoni says CBA has played a key role in expanding the business, including the opening of a store in Echuca.

“We’ve banked with the CBA for 40 years and they’ve played an important part in our expansion. All our growth has been funded by the bank and the CBA team in Albury have continued to support us and believe in our plans. They have provided strategic guidance and I keep coming back to CBA because they understand me and what our needs are,” said Mr Matassoni.

In a vote of confidence in the region, Mr Matassoni recently renewed Beechworth Bakery’s 5-year lease in Albury.

“This quarter’s findings underscore the critical role regional centres play in shaping Australia’s future. However, with housing pressures mounting in regions, affordability is waning, and RAI has provided policy solutions to support growth in the regional housing market,” said Ms Ritchie.

“RAI’s recent report,  Answering the Call for Regional Housing, has recommended the appointment of a Regional Housing Commissioner and for 40 per cent of the National Housing Accord’s 1.2 million homes (480,000) to be built in regions.”

The RMI, a partnership between RAI and CBA, provides vital insights into migration trends and supports decision-making across sectors.