MIL Email Publisher – Foreign Submissions

Source: Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders (MSF)

Port Sudan, February 10, 2026 – Drone attacks carried out by the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and Rapid Support Forces (RSF) are hitting civilian areas and critical infrastructures, including schools, markets, healthcare facilities, and water sources, across Sudan. In the first two weeks of February, Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders (MSF) teams have treated 167 patients suffering from penetrating injuries at level of thorax and abdomen, multiple fractures of limbs, head injuries and drone shrapnel. MSF warns that this pattern of attacks is placing civilians and humanitarian workers at grave risk and calls for their immediate protection.

On February 15, an MSF team in Adré, eastern Chad, received 18 civilians—including four women and three children—who were injured in SAF drone strikes on a fuel market just across the border in Adikong, West Darfur state. On February 6, 29 people sustaining injuries were treated at MSF supported hospital in Tine, also in eastern Chad, following two RSF drone attacks in western Sudan which killed at least 10 people, four of whom died in the hospital. Since that date, patients have been arriving frequently due to strikes.

“Among the patients we received, a nine-year-old boy arrived with a large shrapnel wound to his eye, extensive facial fractures, and two amputated fingers. He was in severe pain and exposed to dust after a long journey to reach the facility. Even with optimal care, he is likely to face long-term disability. He was transferred to Ndjamena for further treatment,” says Virginia Moneti, MSF Project Medical Coordinator in Tine.

Our teams in Zalingei, Central Darfur, also treated 29 patients this month following several attacks, including at least 8 civilians.

Following drone strikes on 3 November in North Darfur, MSF was forced to withdraw from Kornoi and Tina, halting vital medical and humanitarian services. These attacks have made it impossible for MSF to maintain a safe presence, leaving people without essential care.

“The war in Sudan is being fought with drones beyond the front lines. Our teams are regularly treating large numbers of drone wounded people, including women and children. These strikes are used to disrupt supply lines, damage civilian infrastructure, and at risk of creating siege-like conditions in contested areas,” says Esperanza Santos, MSF head of emergencies.

In North Kordofan, where MSF recently launched an emergency response in El Obeid, drone strikes reportedly hit a humanitarian convoy, a vehicle carrying displaced people, and a bus station on 6-7February. Drone attacks reportedly also hit various health facilities in Kadugli and Dilling, South Kordofan state, in the first two weeks of February.

“Recent incidents reveal a disturbing pattern in the conduct of the war in Sudan. Drone strikes are not limited to military targets, sometimes with multiple follow-ups strikes on the same location, and are causing devastating harm: civilians, including children, are being killed or severely injured in blatant disregard of international humanitarian law,” adds Esperanza Santos. “Armed actors must take immediate measures to protect civilians and humanitarian workers. Civilians must be always spared.”

MSF is deeply alarmed by this situation. When civilian areas and humanitarian infrastructure are not respected, our teams cannot operate safely, leaving communities without essential care. This is the exact opposite of what the people of Sudan urgently need, as humanitarian needs are immense and an immediate scale-up of assistance is critical.

MSF is an international, medical, humanitarian organisation that delivers medical care to people in need, regardless of their origin, religion, or political affiliation.  MSF Australia was established in 1995 and is one of 24 international MSF sections committed to delivering medical humanitarian assistance to people in crisis. Every year more than 120 Australians and New Zealanders go on assignment with Médecins Sans Frontières  working as: doctors, midwives, psychologists, laboratory technicians, human resource/finance coordinators, pharmacists, mental health specialists and logisticians. MSF delivers medical care based on need alone and operates independently of government, religion or economic influence and irrespective of race, religion or gender. For more information visit msf.org.au  

Source: ONEKEY

Program targets manufacturers of connected digital devices, machines, and systems facing new regulatory requirements under the Cyber Resilience Act

Düsseldorf, February 19, 2026 – The Düsseldorf-based product cybersecurity company ONEKEY has introduced a program called “CRA Fast Start” that allows manufacturers of networked devices, machines, and systems to efficiently and systematically verify their products' compliance with the new EU security standard, the Cyber Resilience Act (CRA). According to estimates, the cybersecurity directive affects hundreds of millions, if not billions, of digital products in the EU. After the transition periods have expired, products will only be permitted to be placed on the market if manufacturers can demonstrate continuous vulnerability management, documented security processes, and ongoing monitoring of their software and firmware components throughout the entire product life cycle. ONEKEY's “CRA Fast Start” is accordingly based on three pillars: CRA Readiness Assessment, systematic vulnerability management, and continuous monitoring.

The program is designed for organizations at different stages of Cyber Resilience Act Readiness. For manufacturers approaching the CRA for the first time, the assessment provides structured guidance and an initial orientation. Companies already familiar with the regulation and seeking faster implementation can move directly into vulnerability management and continuous firmware monitoring. Additionally, a compliance check and a ONEKEY Compliance Wizard support the initial CRA compliance review. The ONEKEY Compliance Wizard is continuously developed and adapted to future regulatory requirements and expected harmonized standards.

“With CRA Fast Start, we enable manufacturers to systematically and quickly implement the required CRA compliance,” said Jan Wendenburg, ONEKEY's CEO, explaining the new offering.

First Step: Assessing CRA Readiness

A key component of the new program is an initial, structured CRA Readiness Assessment. This assessment involves analyzing a company's current level of maturity in relation to CRA requirements. In addition to product requirements, the assessment examines processes for addressing vulnerabilities, software bills of materials (SBOMs) documentation, and organizational responsibilities, among other things. Based on the results, compliance gaps can be identified and prioritized action steps can be defined. ONEKEY particularly recommends this assessment to companies that are unsure of the extent to which they are affected by the CRA and what they need to do.

For organizations ready to move forward, continuous vulnerability management combined with ongoing firmware monitoring enables early detection of new risks while maintaining full visibility into the software supply chain through SBOM transparency. Newly discovered vulnerabilities, affected libraries, and security-relevant changes are continuously tracked, creating lasting transparency into the security posture of digital products. This approach not only supports CRA compliance but also strengthens internal governance and risk management processes. The program is delivered through the ONEKEY Product Cybersecurity & Compliance Platform.

“Our platform, coupled with the CRA Readiness Assessment, combines our expertise in consulting with the ONEKEY platform's comprehensive analytical power. This new program addresses the urgent need for short-term action by introducing a long-term strategy to achieve compliance,” Jan Wendenburg explains. He clarifies, “Ultimately, manufacturers must not only meet mandatory legal requirements but also make their product range truly resilient to cyberattacks. After all, any vulnerability that is exploited poses legal and reputational risks.”

Urgency Is Required

The CRA requires manufacturers to systematically identify, assess, and remedy vulnerabilities throughout the entire product lifecycle, among other things. ONEKEY meets this requirement by using a continuous vulnerability management approach that automatically analyzes software and firmware components and identifies known security gaps. This creates a robust database for assessing risks in a traceable manner and fulfilling regulatory documentation requirements.

There is no time to waste. Starting in 2026, the Cyber Resilience Act stipulates that actively exploited vulnerabilities must be reported to national authorities within 24 hours. Starting in 2027, all affected products must meet the full security requirements, including documented vulnerability management processes. Companies that fail to meet these deadlines risk fines of up to €15 million or 2.5 percent of their global annual turnover.

ONEKEY is the leading European specialist in Product Cybersecurity & Compliance Management and part of the investment portfolio of PricewaterhouseCoopers Germany (PwC). The unique combination of the automated ONEKEY Product Cybersecurity & Compliance Platform (OCP) with expert knowledge and consulting services provides fast and comprehensive analysis, support, and management to improve product cybersecurity and compliance from product purchasing, design, development, production to end-of-life.

Critical vulnerabilities and compliance violations in device firmware are automatically identified in binary code by AI-based technology in minutes – without source code, device, or network access. Proactively audit software supply chains with integrated Software Bills of Materials (SBOMs) generation. “Digital Cyber Twins” enable automated 24/7 post-release cybersecurity monitoring throughout the product lifecycle.

The patent-pending, integrated ONEKEY Compliance Wizard already covers the EU Cyber Resilience Act (CRA) and requirements according to IEC 62443-4-2, ETSI EN 303 645, UNECE R 155 and many others.

The Product Security Incident Response Team (PSIRT) is effectively supported by the integrated automatic prioritisation of vulnerabilities, significantly reducing the time to remediation.

Leading international companies in Asia, Europe and the Americas already benefit from the ONEKEY Product Cybersecurity & Compliance Platform (OCP) and ONEKEY Cybersecurity Experts.

Source: Hellmann Worldwide Logistics

Osnabrueck, February 19, 2026. Hellmann Worldwide Logistics is pleased to announce that Alexandra Olvera will join the company as Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) effective March 1, 2026. In her new role, Alexandra Olvera will lead the global sales organization as the company continues to advance its Forward2030 strategy, with a strong focus on deepening global sales integration, expanding strategic customer segments like automotive as well as fashion, and further enhancing the overall customer experience.

Alexandra Olvera brings more than 20 years of international commercial and leadership experience in the logistics industry. She has held various senior roles across North and South America as well as in Europe, building a strong track record in developing high-performing, customer-centric commercial organizations.

“We are delighted to welcome Alexandra Olvera to the Hellmann FAMILY. Her global perspective, commercial expertise, and strong commitment to customer relationships will be instrumental in shaping the next phase of our growth journey,” says Jens Drewes, CEO, Hellmann Worldwide Logistics.

About Hellmann
Hellmann Worldwide Logistics is a global logistics service provider with a comprehensive service portfolio that includes air- and seafreight, road and rail transport, and contract logistics. With annual sales of EUR 3.8 bn and around 12,000 employees in 61 countries, Hellmann moves over 20 mio shipments annually. Based on this broad product range and many years of experience, Hellmann offers innovative logistics solutions for the complex requirements of each individual customer and relies on visionary technical products to ensure maximum customer transparency while creating a more efficient supply chain.

Source: United Nations – ESCAP

At the current pace, the Asia-Pacific region is set to miss a staggering 103 out of 117 measurable Sustainable Development Goals targets by 2030. The Asia and the Pacific SDG Progress Report 2026, issued today by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), also reveals a picture of deeply imbalanced development in the region.

Gains in health and well-being, and poverty reduction these past decades, are being overshadowed by severe environmental decline and widening inequalities. Evidence shows setbacks in ensuring equal access to education (SDG target 4.5) and compliance with labour rights (SDG target 8.8). Furthermore, insufficient data on gender equality (SDG 5) and peace, justice and strong institutions (SDG16), is obscuring policymakers' understanding of how effectively the most vulnerable are being reached.

In critical areas such as climate action, marine conservation and biodiversity, the situation is not just stalling but rapidly deteriorating. For cities and communities, persistent regression, including damage to critical infrastructure, underscores a dangerous gap between planning and resilience on the ground.

“This report reveals a sobering reality. The very engines of growth that once lifted millions out of poverty and fuelled rapid industrialization are now undermining our future,” shared Armida Salsiah Alisjahbana, Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations and Executive Secretary of ESCAP. She underscored, “Our greatest collective challenge is also our greatest opportunity: to build a region that is not only wealthier but smarter, healthier and more just.”

There are areas of solid progress. The region continues to advance on industry, innovation and infrastructure (SDG 9) and on good health and well-being (SDG 3), driven by steady reductions in maternal and child mortality. Progress in reducing income poverty and expanding access to electricity are notable achievements for the region.

Data availability is improving. Today, 55% of SDG indicators have enough data for progress assessment, placing Asia and the Pacific ahead of the rest of the world.

An annual publication, the Asia and the Pacific SDG Progress Report uses the latest data for global SDG indicators to determine where additional effort is needed in the region and where momentum for future progress is building.

This year, ESCAP has also issued a companion analysis paper which places special emphasis on performance across six transitions: food systems, energy, digital connectivity, education, welfare and social protection, and the environment, reflecting the multifaceted sustainability challenges facing the Asia-Pacific region.

Source: Amnesty International

Responding to today’s guilty verdict and life sentence for former South Korean President Yoon for the imposition of martial law in December 2024, Amnesty International's Deputy Regional Director Sarah Brooks said:

“Today's verdict and sentence is an important step towards accountability which demonstrates that no one is above the law in South Korea, including a former president.

“This ruling holds Yoon accountable for the unlawful imposition of martial law in December 2024, which lacked proper legal justification under both domestic and international law and placed fundamental rights at risk.

“South Korea's independent courts and citizen resistance have shown how the rule of law and strong institutional checks can effectively counter authoritarian practices. This decision must now be followed by comprehensive measures to ensure such violations never happen again.”

Background

Seoul Central District Court today handed down a life sentence to former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol after finding him guilty of leading an insurrection over his declaration of martial law. The ruling follows prosecutors’ call for the death penalty in this case in January 2026. This case is among eight criminal trials with Yoon as the defendant.

On 3 December 2024, former President Yoon declared martial law in a late-night address broadcast live on TV. The move was met with mass protests, and lawmakers forced their way into the National Assembly to vote to lift the martial law order within hours. Yoon was subsequently impeached and removed from office in a separate case by the Constitutional Court.

Source: AMES

An impressive line-up of leading international and Australian refugee advocates will headline this year’s second Refugee Communities Association of Australia (RCAA) National Conference.

Iranian Kurdish journalist, human rights defender and writer Behrouz Boochani and former UNHCR Assistant Commissioner, former President of the Australian Human Rights Commission Dr Gilian Triggs and human rights advocate Nyadol Nyuon, OAM, are among the keynote speakers at the conference held at the Adelaide Festival Centre on March 25 and 26.

Mr Boochani was held in the Manus Island detention centre in Papua New Guinea between 2013 and its closure in 2017. He now lives in New Zealand where he is a research fellow at the University of Canterbury.

Also speaking at the conference will be the Co-Executive Director of the Rohingya Maìyafuìnor Collaborative Network Noor Azizah, Co-Secretary General Asia Pacific Refugee Rights Network Hafsar Tameesuddin, Chief Executive Officer, Scanlon Foundation Research Institute Anthea Hancocks, CEO of the Centre for Multicultural Youth Carmel Guerra OAM, CEO of migrant and refugee settlement agency AMES Australia Melinda Collinson and Executive Director of the Australian Multicultural Foundation Hass Dellal AO.

The conference will focus on facilitating conversations, sharing knowledge, and increasing awareness of the lived experiences of new and emerging communities, migrants, and multicultural communities as well as highlighting their contributions to Australia.

Under the theme “Empowering Refugees and Multicultural Communities Together”, the conference will explore how refugee communities move beyond initial settlement to multicultural leadership, ensuring their voices actively influence policies, services, and decision-making at all levels.

The long-term goal of RCAA is to establish a framework fostering a self-reliant, progressive, and culturally inclusive approach, strengthening refugee leadership through policy, advocacy, support, capacity building, and working with all stakeholders.

The conference is expected to bring together more than 250 delegates, representing more than 50 organisations. Attendees will include new and emerging communities, multicultural communities, refugee organisations, service providers, policymakers, academics, businesses, and representatives from all levels of government.

The conference will serve as a platform for meaningful engagement, collaboration, and innovation in multicultural leadership and integration. The conference will provide an opportunity to:

Advance multicultural leadership and amplify their voices within Australian society
Promote awareness of the contributions of refugee communities to the social and economic wellbeing, and rich cultural fabric of Australia
Foster dialogue that encourages the exchange of knowledge, ideas, and solutions between new and emerging communities, service providers, and policymakers
Strengthen the advocacy capacity of ‘lived experience’ led organisations and build a stronger, more cohesive network
Develop a foundation of lived experience and evidence-based insights to shape policy and service delivery

RCAA Chair Parsu Sharma Luital said the conference would also feature case studies of successful multicultural sector led initiatives and examine how their approaches can be adapted and implemented by other agencies to enhance their leadership and support systems.

“It will also celebrate the role of lived experience in shaping service provision, employment pathways, and community programs and explore opportunities for partnerships between new and emerging communities, service providers, businesses, and government agencies,” Mr Sharma Luital said.

A conference dinner will honour the rich cultural diversity of South Australia and celebrate the contributions of multicultural communities from across Australia.

Bringing together delegates, community leaders, and stakeholders, the dinner will be a night of connection, recognition, and cultural appreciation, reflecting the strength and resilience of our diverse communities.

The Second RCAA National Conference 2026 is being supported by a grant from the Government of South Australia.

Conference website and registration link: https://rcaaconference2026.com.au/registration/

About RCAA

The RCAA is Australia’s first membership-based, refugee-led organisation (RLO), distinguished by its strong grassroots foundation and extensive reach with refugee communities and key stakeholders. RCAA unites over 70 member organisations nationwide and thousands of individuals, each embodying the resilience, strength, and rich diversity of refugee communities.

Together, RCAA forms a collective force that amplifies diverse voices, advocates for systemic change, and strengthens the already rich fabric of Australia’s multiculturalism. With leadership drawn directly from those with lived experience, RCAA ensures that policies and programs impacting these communities are shaped by those with lived experience.

Source: Moldova Innovation Technology Park (MITP)

Chisinau, February 11, 2026 – Moldova Innovation Technology Park (MITP) marks a year with when the symbolic threshold of USD 1 billion in the aggregate turnover of resident companies was achieved. Preliminary data for 2025 indicate a spectacular growth, with a total turnover of MDL 18.9 billion, the equivalent of USD 1 billion, which represents an increase of 24.3% compared to 2024 and about 10-fold growth compared to 2018, the year of the park establishment.

“These figures reflect not only the success of resident companies, but also the transformation of MITP into a real economic engine of the Republic of Moldova. The symbolic threshold of USD 1 billion positions us, in metaphorical terms, as the first “institutional unicorn” in the country – a public initiative scaled globally, which combines the stability of the framework offered by the state with the dynamics of the private sector. The park's performance shows that effective public policies, a predictable tax regime and a focus on exports can generate real and sustainable economic impact,” said Marina Bzovîi, Administrator of MITP.

“This exceptional performance confirms the accelerated transformation of the MITP from a public policy instrument into a true national economic engine, with a direct impact on economic growth, exports and the consolidation of the highly qualified labor market. This pace of scaling and magnitude of results achieved are rarely found in public initiatives and highlight the effectiveness of the MITP model,” underlined the Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Economic Development and Digitalization, Eugeniu Osmochescu.

Accelerated ecosystem growth: 2,725 resident companies

In 2025, the Moldova Innovation Technology Park reached 2,725 resident companies, marking one of the strongest growth rates since the launch of the park. Compared to the previous year, the MITP ecosystem expanded by 571 companies, which represents an annual growth of 27%, a pace rarely seen at the regional level.

This evolution reflects the continued attractiveness of the MITP regime for local and international companies, as well as the confidence of the business environment in the stability, predictability and efficiency of the framework offered. The growth confirms the maturation of the IT ecosystem in the Republic of Moldova and positions MITP as a competitive regional platform, built on a single tax regime of 7%, simplified processes and openness to global markets.

Human capital, competitive wages and sustainable growth

In 2025, MITP resident companies have employed 25,809 specialists, of which 23,110, i.e. almost 90%, are directly involved in eligible activities. This critical mass of professionals reinforces MITP's role as one of the largest generators of highly skilled jobs in the Republic of Moldova. The average monthly salary remains at around 50,000 MDL (≈2,500 EUR / 2,700 USD), being the highest in the Moldovan labor market and one of the most competitive at regional level.

“The structure of the workforce indicates a strong focus on activities with high added value, advanced digital skills and mainly export-oriented services. Through its size and dynamics, MITP directly contributes to the retention of talents in the country, reduces the migration of specialists and offers competitive professional opportunities in a sector connected to the global economy,” explained Marina Bzovîi.

The top 5 activity types with the highest sales in 2025 are development of customer-facing software, data processing, call-center and export dispatch, IT consulting and software editing services, confirming MITP's orientation towards high value-added segments and integration into global chains.

Beyond the numbers, the ministry's strategy for 2026 focuses on the qualitative leap by adopting emerging technologies, aligning with the standards of the European single market and encouraging innovation.

“To accelerate this growth, this year we are transforming Moldova into a living laboratory of innovation: we are integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a productivity engine for our companies, we are adopting DSA (Digital Services Act) standards to guarantee a safe and transparent digital space. We are no longer satisfied with just being fiscally competitive. We will encourage the creation of innovative products, by building a mature technological ecosystem interoperable with the European single market,” said the Secretary of State for Digitalization and Innovation, Michelle Iliev.

International investment and exports – pillars of MITP performance

In 2025, MITP resident companies come from 44 countries, confirming the international character of the park and the attractiveness of the Republic of Moldova as a destination for IT investments. At the same time, the investor structure remains stable and predictable, with a strong presence from Romania (75), Ukraine (55), the US (38), Germany (32), the UK (21), the same configuration as in 2024.

Exports are the backbone of the MITP ecosystem, reaching MDL 16.37 billion in 2025, i.e. approximately 88.5% of total eligible sales. This level shows that IT specialists in the Republic of Moldova are developing digital products and services for global clients, including renowned companies and international leaders in various industries.

For 2026, the total revenues of MITP resident companies are estimated at about MDL 19.9 billion, which would represent a forecast increase of about 5-6% compared to the 2025 turnover. The figures are preliminary and are based on estimates reported by resident companies, confirming the maintenance of a positive and sustainable dynamic of the MITP ecosystem.

***

The Moldova Innovation Technology Park (MITP), created in 2018, is the first e-Park in Europe, which offers a single tax regime of 7% and a stable framework, guaranteed by the state until 2035, with an operating term until 2037.

Source: Equinor

14 FEBRUARY 2026 – Equinor ASA has on 4 February 2026 engaged a third party to conduct repurchases of the company's shares to be used in the share-based incentive plans for employees and management for the period from 13 February 2026 until 15 January 2027.

Shares acquired under the buy-back programme from 13 February 2026 to 12 May 2026 is based upon the authorization from the annual general meeting on 14 May 2025, registered in the Norwegian register for business enterprises. According to the authorization, the maximum number of shares to be purchased in the market is 14,400,000, the minimum price that can be paid per share is NOK 50, and the maximum price is NOK 1,000. Share buy-back after 12 May 2026 is subject to a new authorization from the annual general meeting in 2026.

The buy-back programme is time-scheduled, and the share purchases shall take place on specific dates in the period from 13 February 2026 until 15 January 2027 with a determined purchase amount on each date, as set out in the buy-back programme.

The total purchase amount under the share buy-back programme is NOK 1,971,000,000. The maximum number of shares to be acquired is 19,600,000 shares, of which up to 7,920,000 shares can be acquired in the period from 13 February 2026 to 15 May 2026, and up to 11,680,000 shares can be acquired in the period from 15 May 2026 to 15 January 2027.

The shares shall be used to meet obligations towards employees who participate in the company's share-based incentive plans.

Shares will be purchased on the Oslo Stock Exchange. The share buy-back programme is conducted in accordance with applicable safe harbour conditions, and as further set out in the Norwegian Securities Trading Act of 2007, EU Commission Regulation (EC) No 2016/1052 and the Norwegian Financial Supervisory Authority's Guidelines for buy-back programmes from March 2025.

This is information that Equinor is obliged to make public pursuant to the EU Market Abuse Regulation and that is subject to the disclosure requirements pursuant to Section 5-12 the Norwegian Securities Trading Act.

Source: Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA)

Australians began the year spending on a mix of fun and necessities, but higher interest rates and slowing income growth may change the picture through the rest of 2026.

13 February 2026

Key takeaways

• Household spending rose 0.5% in January, marking 16 consecutive months of growth
• Recreation spending lifted 1.0%, supported by major summer events including the Australian Open
• Utilities spending jumped 3.7% as energy rebates were scaled back
• NSW recorded strongest monthly spending growth.

Australian households started 2026 in spending mode, with summer events and a solid job market helping drive another monthly lift in consumption.

The latest CommBank Household Spending Insights (HSI) Index shows spending rose 0.5 per cent in January, marking 16 consecutive months of growth. Annual spending growth eased slightly to 5.6 per cent, following a strong finish to 2025.

“We’ve now seen consistent monthly spending growth for well over a year, which points to steady underlying demand across the economy,” CBA Senior Economist Ashwin Clarke said.

“While consumers have continued to spend, higher interest rates and easing income growth are likely to slow that momentum as the year progresses.”

Wage momentum remains solid across the start of the year

Australia’s wages growth held steady in January, with CBA data showing quarterly wage growth at 0.8 per cent and annual growth at 3.1 per cent. Overall, wages have been tracking broadly sideways, though there has been a gradual lift in quarterly outcomes since mid-2025

Western Australia continued to report the strongest wage gains, while outcomes across the eastern states remained steady.

“While wage growth is firm but not excessive, weak productivity growth means businesses continue to face elevated labour cost pressures,” Ottley said. “This underpins our assessment that labour market conditions remain tight and are still contributing to inflation.”

Consumers splash out on summer events

Recreation was one of the strongest-performing spending categories in January, rising 1.0 per cent in the month and sitting 7.6 per cent higher over the year.

Consumers splashed out on tickets, travel and fitness, with major events including the Australian Open tennis and summer festivals drawing strong crowds. Spending rose across ticketing services, tourist attractions and travel agencies, reflecting households’ continued appetite for summer experiences.

The rebound in household goods spending – up 0.5 per cent – suggests consumers’ willingness to spend extended beyond seasonal discount periods like Black Friday, with strength across clothing, hardware and online marketplaces.

Utilities surge as rebates wind back

While Australians splashed out on summer fun, a large chunk of growth in their spending was driven by utilities, which recorded the largest monthly increase across categories, lifting 3.7 per cent in January, following another strong lift in December.

The jump reflects the scaling back of federal energy rebates, with households facing higher electricity bills as subsidies expired. Over the year, utilities spending is up 15.6 per cent, with outlays on electricity and gas driving the bulk of the increase.

States diverge as NSW leads monthly gains

Spending patterns varied across the country, with New South Wales recording the strongest monthly growth, up 0.7 per cent. The ACT, Victoria and Western Australia also posted solid gains, while Queensland and South Australia recorded more modest increases.

On an annual basis, Western Australia and Queensland remain the strongest performers, with spending up 7.5 per cent and 6.1 per cent respectively.

Outright owners trail the spending pack

Spending growth has been strongest among households with a mortgage, with annual spending running at around 3.6 per cent, compared with more moderate growth among renters (2.6 per cent) and outright owners (1.4 per cent). While all three groups have recorded spending increases across most categories over the past year, recent data suggests growth is beginning to stabilise. Mortgagors remain the most sensitive to further interest rate increases as 2026 unfolds.

Headwinds building later in 2026

CBA’s Clarke said the early-2026 momentum reflected strong household fundamentals. But cautioned that economic conditions are likely to tighten.

“Households have been supported by a solid labour market and healthy balance sheets, but higher interest rates and easing wage growth are expected to slow spending as the year progresses,” Clarke said.

The January data predates the Reserve Bank of Australia’s February rate increase, and CBA economists expect the RBA to increase rates again in May 2025. Rising mortgage payments, moderating income growth and persistent cost-of-living pressures are all expected to dampen spending growth over time.

While consumers began 2026 on the front foot, the pace of spending is likely to moderate as those headwinds build, Clarke said.

Read the full Household Spending Insights report here: https://www.commbankresearch.com.au/apex/researcharticleviewv2?id=a0NOa00000I8sfS

Source: D-Link

D-Link Australia has appointed Dicker Data (ASX: DDR) as a new distributor, significantly expanding D-Link’s reach into the physical security and systems integration channel through Dicker Data’s DAS distribution business, alongside Dicker Data’s wider IT channels.

D-Link Australia MD Graeme Reardon said, “The line between physical security and network infrastructure continues to blur, with security installers and system integrators deploying more Wi-Fi, switching and networking infrastructure alongside traditional physical security work every day. Through DAS, Dicker Data is uniquely positioned in this converging market and we’re excited to bring D-Link’s networking portfolio, training and services to those professionals.”

“Bringing D-Link into our physical security portfolio is a strong strategic fit for our channel,” said Gary Meyers, National Sales Manager – DAS. “Our security partners are increasingly looking for reliable, scalable networking solutions that are easy to deploy and supported locally. This appointment allows us to deliver exactly that, while continuing to back the channel with the service, expertise and enablement they expect from DAS.”

The appointment gives D-Link access to DAS’s established network of physical security and electrical professionals, system integrators and installers – a rapidly growing channel where network infrastructure is increasingly deployed alongside traditional physical security and electrical installations, as well as expanded access to the IT reseller base through the broader Dicker Data business.

D-Link’s portfolio of Wi-Fi access points, managed and unmanaged switches, structured cabling solutions and cloud-managed networking products through its Nuclias management platforms are a natural fit for the DAS channel, where demand for network infrastructure continues to accelerate.

D-Link will work with DAS to deliver product training and certification programs tailored to physical security, electrical and systems integration professionals, ensuring partners have the knowledge and confidence to specify and deploy D-Link networking solutions. Dicker Data’s established logistics capability and national reach will ensure fast, reliable fulfilment for DAS partners across Australia.

D-Link products are available now through both DAS and Dicker Data.

For more information, contact D-Link or Dicker Data DAS account managers, or visit www.dlink.com.au

About D-Link

D-Link has designed, developed and manufactured award-winning networking, wireless, video surveillance, storage and home automation solutions for over 35 years. As a global leader in connectivity, D-Link is transforming business networks and equipping businesses and consumers with innovative connectivity solutions to enhance and simplify everyday tasks.

D-Link’s extensive ranges of innovative, high-performing and intuitive technologies are available for both businesses and consumers through its global network of channel and retail partners and service providers.