Category: 3. Business

How strong is economic growth?

Economic growth is forecast to reach 2.4% in early 2026, a rate that’s slightly above the pace the economy can comfortably sustain, sometimes called its “speed limit.”

Households are a major driver of this strength, helped by earlier interest rate cuts, recent tax changes and steady job and income gains. Investment in data centres and renewable energy projects is also adding momentum as are improvement in housing investment and support from public demand.

What could this mean for borrowers?

The expected February rate rise would be a fine-tuning move, not the start of a large run-up in interest rates. The RBA is aiming to nudge inflation back toward target rather than cool the economy sharply.

However, if household spending or business investment turns out even stronger than expected, the RBA may need to raise rates more than once. In contrast, coolness in the labour market or a faster fall in inflation could deter the RBA.

The bottom line

Australia enters 2026 in solid shape, but its strength is keeping inflation higher than the RBA would like. A modest rate rise in February looks likely as the central bank works to keep price pressures in check while supporting a steady, sustainable pace of growth.

“We expect inflation to gradually return toward the midpoint of the target band by late 2027. A small rate rise next year would help set the foundation for a steady, sustainable period of growth,” said Allen.

Read Belinda Allen and the Australian Economic team’s full analysis: The Australian economy in 2026 – prepare for higher interest rates

Link to photos (Courtesy Office of the Lieutenant Governor)

HONOLULU – In anticipation of the busy holiday travel season, state leaders provided updates on various technology enhancements at Hawai‘i’s airports to help improve the travel experience for residents. They also provided an update on the state’s digitized agriculture declaration form, Akamai Arrival, which is now live on all domestic flights to Hawai‘i.

With holiday travel expected to surge in the coming weeks, Lieutenant Governor Sylvia Luke, who led the launch of Akamai Arrival, reminded residents returning home that they will now complete the agriculture declaration form digitally, meaning no more hard copies and no need for a pen. The form can be filled out online either in-flight or up to five days before traveling.

“Modernizing our systems is about making life easier for our residents while strengthening the protections that keep Hawai‘i special. With the agriculture form now fully digital on all domestic flights, we want to remind residents of this new change — especially for those seeing it for the first time this holiday season,” said Lt. Gov. Luke. “After decades of digging through your bag or borrowing a pen from the person next to you, we finally have a simpler, more efficient solution that supports our state’s biosecurity efforts and protects Hawai‘i’s natural environment.”

The digital agriculture form first launched as a pilot in February 2025 and has since been fully adopted by all domestic airline partners flying to Hawaiʻi. Early data show compliance increased from an average of 60% with the paper form to 85% with the digital form, supporting the Hawai‘i Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity and the state’s broader commitment to protecting Hawai‘i’s natural resources.

The state is also continuing to make progress in implementing improvements throughout Hawai‘i’s airports to increase efficiency, safety and comfort for travelers. The Hawai‘i Department of Transportation (HDOT) has launched various online tools and technology to provide important information about the airports and help travelers get through check-in and security procedures before they board their flight.

“Traveling, especially during the busy holidays can be stressful, which is why HDOT is always looking for ways to help guide travelers through the required airport procedures, as well as provide different tools that can enhance their overall experience at the airport,” said HDOT Director Ed Sniffen.

HDOT now offers free airport wayfinding apps to help travelers better plan their time at the airport, including navigating the terminals, checking airport flight information and finding restaurants, shops and other amenities and services. HDOT is working to add a link on the apps to the Akamai Arrival form. The HNL Airport app for the Daniel K. Inouye International Airport and LIH Airport App for the Lῑhuʻe Airport can be downloaded from Google Play and Apple Store.

Apps for Maui and Hawai‘i Island airports will be launched over the next three months. The OGG Airport app for Kahului Airport is expected to be available to the public on January 20, 2026. The KOA Airport app for the Ellison Onizuka International Airport at Keāhole is planned for February 2, 2026. An app for Hilo International Airport is currently being developed and expected to be ready by March 30, 2026.

Large electronic display signs installed earlier this year in Terminal 1 of HNL allow travelers to view anticipated wait times at security checkpoints. Checkpoint status displays will be added in Terminal 2 upon completion of renovations to Checkpoint 3, which is expected in late 2026.

Travelers departing from the Honolulu and Kona airports can check the estimated available parking counts (refreshed every 10 minutes) via the HNL and KOA websites, respectively. The estimated parking count for HNL can also be accessed via the HNL Airport app.

HDOT offers the following tips for air travelers:

• Prior to going to the airport, check with your airline on the status of your flight, including any delays and gate assignments, as well as baggage claim area if you’re picking up arriving passengers.
• Remember to bring your REAL ID-compliant driver’s license, state ID, passport, or other acceptable form of identification to avoid delays at security checkpoints.
• Plan to arrive at the airport at least two hours prior to your scheduled flight departure for mainland or international flights, or 90 minutes early for interisland flights, to allow sufficient time to complete every step of the travel process including finding a place to park, checking luggage and getting through security.
• If possible, get dropped off or use public transportation to get to the airport. On O‘ahu, travelers can take advantage of the city’s Skyline rail service to get to and from the Daniel K. Inouye International Airport, thus avoiding traffic and parking fees.
• Hawai‘i airport parking lots fill up quickly over the holidays, particularly at the Līhu‘e and Hilo Airports, so it’s recommended that passengers plan accordingly.
• Travelers are reminded to lock their vehicle and not leave keys, valuables, or the parking ticket in the vehicle while parked in an airport lot.
• When going through security screening, families traveling with children can use the Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) dedicated family lane located in Terminal 2, Checkpoint 4.
• TSA has created a series of videos to help travelers before they go through security checkpoints. See https://airports.hawaii.gov/hnl/flights/tsa-travel-tips/ for the collection of videos and a link to additional TSA resources.

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Women across Britain will be better supported to enter, stay and lead in the UK’s tech sector as Technology Secretary Liz Kendall launches the Women in Tech Taskforce.

The UK’s tech sector is thriving, but it isn’t working for everyone. Every year, the economy loses an estimated £2 – £3.5 billion because women leave the tech sector or change jobs due to barriers that should not exist.

Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, Liz Kendall is taking decisive action to change that, convening the first meeting of the flagship Women in Tech Taskforce at the British Science Association yesterday (Monday 15 December). 

The taskforce is bringing together leading industry figures and experts from across the tech ecosystem. This first-of-its-kind initiative will advise government on how to better support diversity in tech and ensure the UK accesses the full talent pool, market opportunities, and innovation capacity needed for economic growth.

The need for change is clear. Men outnumber women 4 to 1 in computer science degrees. Women are less likely to enter tech, stay in the sector, or rise to leadership, not because they are less capable, but because systemic barriers hold them back. A 2023 Fawcett Society study found 20% of men in tech believe women are inherently less suited for these roles.

At the current pace, it will take 283 years for women to achieve equal representation in tech and female-founded startups receive 5.9x less funding than male-founded ones, despite delivering 35% higher returns on investment.

The Women in Tech Taskforce will identify and dismantle barriers to education, training, and career progression. It will develop practical solutions for government and industry to implement side by side, shape policy that encourages diversity and levels the playing field, and drive sustainable and inclusive economic growth by expanding opportunities for women across the UK.

Technology Secretary, Liz Kendall said:

Technology should work for everyone, that is why I have established the Women in Tech Taskforce, to break down the barriers that still hold too many people back, and to partner with industry on practical solutions that make a real difference.

This matters deeply to me. When women are inspired to take on a role in tech and have a seat at the table, the sector can make more representative decisions, build products that serve everyone, and unlock the innovation and growth our economy needs.

In one of the first moves to establish the taskforce Anne-Marie Imafidon, founder of the STEMETTES, has been appointed as the Women in Tech Envoy and in this role will lead the taskforce alongside Secretary of State.

The taskforce will look to replicate the success of outstanding women-led UK tech companies, including Ivee, Starling Bank, Peanut, and Koru Kids, and will complement major DSIT initiatives designed to develop and support tech talent in the UK, such as the £187m TechFirst skills programme and the Regional Tech Booster programme.

Encouraging more women into tech careers starts in the classroom – and that’s why the government is standing up the landmark TechFirst skills programme to help more girls develop tech skills and consider a future career in tech. 

This comes as the government has announced the new curriculum will ensure every young person learns essential digital and AI skills – equipping them with the capabilities needed to open the doors to careers in tech. With the government’s wider support of the STEM Ambassadors Programme and the National Centre for Computing Education’s ‘I Belong’ programme, showing girls across the country the potential careers they could have in tech. The taskforce will build on these measures with plans to boost representation in the tech workforce.

• UK’s largest car plant transformed with launch of new generation EV, supporting 6,000 jobs and boosting economic growth.
• Industry Minister Chris McDonald will visit site and hail the new LEAF as major step forward for the auto sector’s EV transition and green economy.
• Start of production comes as government’s modern Industrial Strategy is delivering £4 billion into the automotive sector – the biggest investment into the car industry since the post-war era.

In a huge boost to the UK economy and auto industry, car manufacturing giant Nissan has begun production of the next generation LEAF in Sunderland – making it the first new high volume electric car to be produced in the UK since 2020. 

Nissan has invested more than £450 million into manufacturing the new LEAF at their Wearside plant – including over £300 million directly into the firm’s UK operations – supporting 6,000 jobs and thousands more in the supply chain. 

Today [16 December], Industry Minister Chris McDonald will attend the launch in Sunderland, where he will hail the start of production as a major boost to both the North East and the automotive sector, a step which underlines the UK’s position at the forefront of manufacturing green technologies.  

This latest development builds on the biggest government investment into the UK’s car industry of the post-war era, with £4 billion of funding from the modern Industrial Strategy going towards accelerating the electrification of vehicle plants and investment in batteries, electric motors and power electronics. 

Business and Trade Secretary Peter Kyle said: 

Sunderland is the beating heart of the UK’s automotive industry, and Nissan’s investment is a major commitment to the North East and a huge vote of confidence in our economy. 

Through this government’s modern Industrial Strategy, we’re delivering £4 billion into our world leading auto sector – the biggest investment into the car industry since the post-war era – driving growth, innovation and jobs across the country.

Government has worked closely with Nissan and their partners to transform Sunderland into an EV manufacturing hub, strengthening the nation’s domestic EV manufacturing capabilities and boosting economic growth. 

Industry Minister Chris McDonald said: 

We’re proud of our historic car industry, so I’m delighted that Nissan is producing the new LEAF in Sunderland. This will strengthen the UK’s position as a global leader for manufacturing and as the destination of choice for investment. 

This government has taken decisive action to back the automotive sector through our modern Industrial Strategy, securing new trade deals and creating export opportunities, supporting UK manufacturers to safeguard jobs and helping to secure the future of the sector for decades to come.

Through the Industrial Strategy, the government plans to cluster EV manufacturing across growth areas. Along with the introduction of the new LEAF, the government is announcing the launch of two new regional EV supply chain pilots in partnership with the North East and West Midlands Metro Mayors.  

Implemented under DRIVE35, these programmes will strategically boost growth, enhance UK supply chain resilience and increase domestic production in the transition to zero emission technologies. 

Just over the road from the plant, AESC has opened a new 12 GWh gigafactory which will supply batteries for Nissan, showcasing the power of investment in boosting the supply chain through new jobs and opportunities in the region.  

Adam Pennick, Vice President, Manufacturing, at Nissan Sunderland Plant said:  

Nissan has invested into our state-of-the-art plant to build the EVs of the future and there is huge pride and excitement in our team to be building this brilliant car in Sunderland. 

The skills, expertise and team-work of our people have powered Sunderland’s success, and the transformation of our plant for new LEAF demonstrates our leadership in the journey to electrification.

Drivers can save £3,750 off the new Nissan LEAF thanks to the government’s Electric Car Grant which is putting thousands of pounds back in families’ pockets when they decide to make the switch. The scheme is backing the UK’s automotive industry, a key sector identified in the UK’s modern Industrial Strategy, which supports 133,000 jobs in the UK, and a further 320,000 jobs in the wider economy.

This moment follows the government launching both the Industrial and Trade Strategies and securing three trade deals with the US, India and EU – supporting the auto sector by reducing tariffs and creating new export opportunities – whilst cementing the UK’s position as a top investment destination.  

Notes to editors: 

• Through the government’s modern Industrial Strategy’s £2.5 billion DRIVE35 programme, an additional £1.5 billion investment was announced in the Budget, bringing total capital support to an unprecedented £4 billion until 2035.
• The ECG was launched earlier this year and is making it cheaper and easier to own an electric vehicle, with over 40,000 people benefiting from the grant so far.

The ACCC has commenced separate proceedings in the Federal Court against home meal delivery providers Grocery Delivery E-Services Australia Pty Ltd (trading as HelloFresh) and Youfoodz Pty Ltd for allegedly misleading consumers over subscriptions.

The ACCC alleges that HelloFresh and Youfoodz, which are both owned by HelloFresh SE, breached the Australian Consumer Law by advertising on their websites and apps that new customers could easily cancel subscriptions through their online account settings as long as they did so before a specified cut-off time. In fact, when many consumers tried to cancel their subscription online prior to the first delivery cut-off time, they were still charged for and received the first order.

Despite being able to sign up easily through the websites and apps, consumers were only able to cancel the first delivery if they spoke with a customer service representative.

HelloFresh allegedly carried out this conduct between 1 January 2023 and 14 March 2025, and Youfoodz between 1 October 2022 and 22 November 2024. During these periods, 62,061 HelloFresh customers and 39,408 Youfoodz customers were charged a fee despite cancelling their subscription before the specified cut-off time for the first order.

“We’ve brought these two cases because we allege that HelloFresh’s and Youfoodz’s conduct involved a suite of confusing and unclear subscription practices in breach Australia’s consumer laws,” ACCC Commissioner Luke Woodward said. 

“Despite what HelloFresh and Youfoodz represented to new Australian subscribers, tens of thousands of consumers were charged for their first order, even though they cancelled their subscription before the cut-off date.”

The ACCC also alleges that HelloFresh required consumers to provide payment details to view and select meals from the full menu but represented to them in the sign-up process that they would not be charged unless they selected meals from the menu. In fact, when consumers clicked the button to progress to the meal selection screens, they were entered into an ongoing subscription and charged for the first delivery.

Many HelloFresh consumers were not even aware that they had been signed up to an ongoing subscription until they received a delivery or payment notification.

The ACCC also alleges that Youfoodz communicated to consumers who had taken steps to cancel their subscription in their online account settings that the first delivery was cancelled and they would not be charged, when in fact the first delivery could not be cancelled this way and they were still charged.

“In the case of HelloFresh, many consumers had not even selected meals but were unknowingly subscribed and charged regardless,” Mr Woodward said.

“Traders must clearly communicate when consumers are signing up for a subscription, as well as how they are able to cancel and avoid being charged.”

“Businesses using confusing and complicated subscription cancellation policies is a matter of significant public concern and, where there is evidence of breaches of the Australian Consumer Law and consumer harm, the ACCC will take enforcement action when appropriate,” Mr Woodward said.

“We are also urging consumers who are purchasing gifts this festive season to carefully review the contract terms before paying for any subscriptions.”

Consumer and fair trading issues in the digital economy and in the supermarket and retail sectors are among the ACCC’s current 2025-26 Enforcement Priorities.

The ACCC is seeking compensation orders for affected consumers, penalties, declarations, publication orders, the implementation of a compliance program and costs.

Individual consumer experiences

In one example, a consumer accessed the HelloFresh website on their phone and entered their payment details to view the menu, but after viewing it, decided not to proceed with a subscription. They did not realise that by saving their payment details, they were already subscribed. They later received a notification via PayPal that they had been charged and found it difficult to contact HelloFresh regarding the payment at a time when they were experiencing financial distress.

In another case, a consumer signed up for a Youfoodz subscription, which they cancelled online within minutes of viewing the menu. They later received a text stating their delivery would arrive the following day and they had been charged. They called Youfoodz multiple times to request a refund and were eventually offered a 50 per cent refund.

Background

HelloFresh and Youfoodz are both owned by the German-based parent company HelloFresh SE. HelloFresh offers weekly meal kits, whereas Youfoodz offers weekly ready-made meals.  

Consumers can sign up for HelloFresh’s or Youfoodz’s services through their websites or their smartphone applications.

The ACCC commenced its investigation into HelloFresh and Youfoodz in October 2024 after receiving a large number of consumer complaints.

Concise statements

ACCC v HelloFresh Concise Statement 16 December 2025

( PDF 534.99 KB )

ACCC v Youfoodz Concise Statement 16 December 2025

( PDF 538.64 KB )