What Is The Govt Saying

This week saw significant developments across Australia. Western Sydney Airport now offers free bus services, enhancing connectivity. In New South Wales, the Eraring Power Station will close by 2029, supporting emissions goals. Women-led businesses received a $500k boost. Housing completions in NSW reached a five-year high, with a $285 million finance guarantee for the Rozelle Village project. The state also appointed Stephen Dametto as Crime Commission Commissioner and scrapped remaining lockout laws.

Flood-affected NSW residents can access $100k grants, alongside $200M for school repairs. Over $12.4M in unclaimed money is available for North Coast families. Early learning centers received over $3M.

NSW Fair Trading introduced a 'Name and Shame' List for property agents, issuing over 300 fines. Shark safety measures are enhanced with $4.2 million for drones at 30 beaches and Sydney Harbour research.

President Lula's week was marked by significant domestic investments and cultural recognition. He announced Petrobras contracts totaling R$2.8 billion for new vessels, projecting over 9,000 jobs. Housing initiatives saw the delivery of thousands of Minha Casa, Minha Vida units across Rio Grande do Sul and Maceió. Lula also championed educators with guaranteed real wage increases and attended the 14th MST National Meeting. Brazil's cinema received a boost with "O Agente Secreto" securing four Oscar nominations. Agrarian reform and preparations for the 2027 Women's World Cup were also highlighted.

This week saw significant federal investment across Canada. Over $21.6M was allocated to Toronto for senior housing, while $1.5M aided BC's legal aid for sexual harassment. Ontario farmers received $20M for market expansion, and consultations began for the Next Agricultural Policy Framework (2028-2033). Saskatchewan launched Satellite Forage Insurance, and Quebec secured nearly $1B for housing. Over $123M was pledged for Asia-Pacific projects. The Eskay Creek mine received federal approval, creating 700+ jobs, and Toronto's subway system will get $950M for new trains.

This week saw Germany move to accelerate asylum processes for ten "safe countries" starting February 1, 2026. Simultaneously, the nation is increasing researcher salaries to attract global talent. Chancellor Merz, speaking in Davos, emphasized European security, pledged support for Ukraine, and committed €500 billion to defense, raising spending to 5% of GDP. A North Sea Summit in Hamburg agreed to integrate 100 GW of offshore wind capacity, positioning the region as a major clean energy hub.

India's clean energy push dominated discussions at Davos, with calls for investment and progress on green roadmaps. MSMEs received significant support through export benefits and funding for SIDBI. New policies target increased per capita electricity consumption and enhanced vehicle safety. Defense and strategic ties were strengthened with Kenya and Brazil. The nation also diversified its mining operations and advanced semiconductor ambitions.

Key Developments:

• Energy: Focus on clean energy investment, green roadmaps, and non-fossil capacity targets.
• MSMEs: Export benefits, funding, and artisan recognition highlighted.
• Infrastructure: Port expansion and vehicle communication tech advancements.
• Policy: New electricity policy, motor vehicle rules, and AI governance papers released.
• Diplomacy: Strengthened ties with Brazil and defense discussions with Kenya.

Prime Minister Meloni celebrated a halt to US tariffs, highlighting international cooperation. Simultaneously, Italy grappled with severe storms impacting southern regions, prompting government intervention and a state of emergency declaration. Diplomatic tensions flared as Meloni condemned Trump's NATO comments and Rome recalled its ambassador from Switzerland over a controversial court ruling. Discussions also focused on reforms to the Court of Auditors.

• Tariff Relief: Meloni welcomed Trump's suspension of tariffs.
• Storm Response: Southern Italy hit by severe weather; state of emergency declared.
• EU & Germany: Meloni met EU leaders and discussed economic ties with Germany.
• Diplomatic Friction: Italy criticized Trump's NATO remarks and recalled its Swiss ambassador.
• Judicial Reform: A working group will examine changes to the Court of Auditors.

PM Takaichi juggles domestic and international affairs. A Jan. 20 reception highlighted arts and strengthened ties with Guinea. The following day, Jan. 21, saw discussions on Fukushima's produce and historical redress concerning the Eugenic Protection Act.

• Budget Focus: For FY2026, ¥30T bond cap eyed, aiming for a primary surplus after 28 years.
• Political Shift: House of Reps. dissolved on Jan. 23 for a new mandate.
• Coalition Goals: New LDP-Komeito-Innovation alliance targets inflation, aid, and reform.
• Challenges: Moderate recovery faces U.S. trade risks; elections loom amid heavy snowfall.

President Tinubu's week included mourning Chief Moses Adegbite and congratulating Jumoke Okoya-Thomas. He also met Kano Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf. The President swore in Federal Character Commission members, emphasizing national unity, and approved incentives for Shell's Bonga South West project.

• Diplomatic Shifts: New ambassadors appointed to France, USA, and UK.
• Economic Focus: VP Shettima highlighted self-reliance at Davos, citing Dangote Refinery.
• Growth Figures: Nigeria reports 4.4% GDP growth with 12.94% inflation.

The UK government announced significant funding for the creative sector, allocating £500 million for R&D and £27 million for regional clusters. AI champions were appointed to spur finance sector growth, with Chancellor Reeves positioning the UK as a prime investment destination. Posthumous bravery awards were given to Folajimi Olubunmi-Adewole and Callum Baker-Osborne.

New legislation aims to combat crime with a £700 million probation boost. Flood alerts are extended to 2028. Access to Isotretinoin has been eased. The Nuclear Decommissioning Authority is advancing clean energy projects. A £10.5 million nuclear fuel deal was signed with the US, and anti-dumping duties on Russian fertilizer remain. A new military training hub opened at MOD Lyneham.

This week, the U.S. intensified its fight against terror financing, imposing sanctions on six Gaza groups linked to Hamas and targeting Iran's illicit finance networks. Secretary Rubio engaged in high-level diplomacy, meeting with Mexican officials on security and discussing Gaza peace efforts. Global outreach included inspections in Antarctica and visits to Turkmenistan, Nigeria, Oman, Bahrain, and Rome. The U.S. also sanctioned Iran's oil shadow fleet and implemented visa bans against Haitian entities supporting gangs. Key security discussions with Mexico focused on fentanyl, arms trafficking, and drones. Alliances in the Indo-Pacific, including the Quad and AUKUS, were strengthened.