Sat, 17th Jan 2026

In this episode of the Weekly Finance News Wrap, Paige Estritori discusses major financial events pertinent to Australia. There's concern about the delay in the Australian government's plan to instate an Australian-flagged fleet of ships, the Strategic Fleet Initiative. Funding of $21.7 million over five years was set to enhance Australia's maritime security, but issues have hindered the projects progress. Angela Gillham highlights the reduced number of Australian-crewed vessels amidst global supply chain vulnerabilities. The recent impromptu live-fire exercises by the Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy in the Tasman Sea have raised regional security concerns and stressed the need for enhanced maritime surveillance. Defence Minister Richard Marles calls for transparency and reinforced Indo-Pacific alliances. The coming weeks are crucial for Australia's maritime and regional security.