v e r s i o n l a u n c h OECD Economic Surveys: Australia 2026 January 2026 Volume 2026/04 OECD Economic Surveys: Australia 2026 Volume 2026/04 January 2026 OECD Economic Surveys: Australia 2026 v e r s i o n l a u n c h This work was approved and declassified by the EDRC on 25/11/2025. The Republic of Cyprus is recognised by all members of the United Nations with the exception of Türkiye. The information in this document relates to the area under the effective control of the Government of the Republic of ...

Investment Rating - The report does not explicitly provide an investment rating for the industry or jurisdiction being analyzed [5]. Core Insights - The report evaluates Benin's compliance with the standard of transparency and exchange of information on request, indicating that while the legal framework is in place, improvements are necessary in several areas, particularly regarding the availability and access to information [37][54]. - Benin has signed and ratified the Multilateral Convention on Mutual Administrative Assistance in Tax Matters and is working towards compliance with international standards [40]. - The report highlights that the legal framework for identifying beneficial owners is inadequate, and there are significant gaps in the availability and updating of information related to beneficial ownership and accounting records [46][49]. Summary by Sections Overview of Benin - Benin is located in West Africa with a population of approximately 14.7 million as of 2024, and its economy is primarily based on agriculture and raw material exports [65][66]. - The country is a member of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the West African Economic and Monetary Union (UEMOA) [65]. Availability of Information - The report identifies that improvements are needed in the availability of information regarding identity and ownership, accounting data, and banking information [38]. - Legal provisions require companies to maintain information on their beneficial owners, but the implementation is lacking [44][49]. Access to Information - The legal framework allows the tax administration to access documents held by entities, but there are limitations in accessing information from other obligated entities under anti-money laundering laws [53]. - The report notes that Benin has a limited practice of exchanging information, having received only four requests for information in the past three years [52]. Exchange of Information - Benin's network for exchanging information covers 156 partners, but the practical implementation of this exchange is yet to be evaluated [51][52]. - The report emphasizes the need for Benin to enhance its legal framework to ensure effective communication and access to information for tax purposes [53]. Recommendations - The report recommends that Benin strengthen its legal and operational framework to ensure the identification of beneficial owners and the availability of accounting records [46][50]. - It also suggests that the country should ensure the timely updating of information related to beneficial ownership and banking records [49].

Investment Rating - The overall rating for Benin's compliance with the Exchange of Information on Request (EOIR) standard is not applicable at this stage, as the assessment focuses on the legal and regulatory framework only [38][53]. Core Insights - Benin has joined the Global Forum on Transparency and Exchange of Information for Tax Purposes in 2019 and has made efforts to strengthen its legal framework for tax transparency and information exchange [39]. - The report assesses the legal and regulatory framework in place as of November 4, 2025, indicating that while it is in place, it requires significant improvements in the availability and access to information [36][37]. - The assessment will be followed by a Phase 2 review to evaluate the practical implementation of the framework, scheduled to begin no later than November 2028 [37]. Summary by Sections Availability of Information - Element A.1 (Availability of ownership and identity information): Needs improvement [38]. - Element A.2 (Availability of accounting information): Needs improvement [38]. - Element A.3 (Availability of banking information): Needs improvement [38]. Access to Information - Element B.1 (Competent authority's ability to obtain and provide information): Needs improvement [38]. - Element B.2 (Notification requirements, rights and safeguards): In place [38]. Exchange of Information - Element C.1 (Exchange of information mechanisms): In place [38]. - Element C.2 (Exchange of information mechanisms with all relevant partners): In place [38]. - Element C.3 (Confidentiality): In place [38]. - Element C.4 (Rights and safeguards of taxpayers and third parties): In place [38]. - Element C.5 (Request and provision of information in an effective manner): Not applicable [38].

Investment Rating - The report rates Antigua and Barbuda as overall Largely Compliant with the standard on transparency and exchange of information on request [36] Core Insights - The report concludes that Antigua and Barbuda has made significant progress since its previous assessments in 2014 and 2023, where it was rated as Partially Compliant [36][41] - The assessment covers the legal and regulatory framework as of November 12, 2025, and its practical implementation from January 1, 2022, to December 31, 2024 [36] Summary by Sections Executive Summary - The report presents an analysis of Antigua and Barbuda's compliance with the EOIR standard, concluding an overall rating of Largely Compliant [36] - A comparison of the latest in-depth review (2025) and the second-round review (2023) shows improvements in various elements of compliance [37] Overview of Antigua and Barbuda - The jurisdiction has taken steps to strengthen the availability of ownership, accounting, and banking information, improving its ability to exchange information upon request [41] Availability of Information - Legal shortcomings in ownership information have been addressed through legislative amendments, although material deficiencies remain in practical implementation [42] - The legal framework for accounting records has been strengthened, requiring availability for international business companies (IBCs) [44] - Most legal deficiencies regarding banking information have been remedied through updates to guidelines for financial institutions [45] Access to Information - Access powers of the competent authority have been clarified and tested in practice, including in the offshore sector [46] Exchange of Information - The volume of exchange of information requests remains low but shows signs of improvement, with three out of five requests answered within 90 days [53] - The overall rating for specific elements includes Compliant for Elements B.2, C.1, C.2, and C.4, Largely Compliant for Elements A.3, B.1, C.3, and C.5, and Partially Compliant for Elements A.1 and A.2 [54]

Investment Rating - The report does not explicitly provide an investment rating for the industry Core Insights - The German economy has faced significant challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic, geopolitical tensions, and rising trade issues, necessitating accelerated structural reforms to revive growth [29][30][31] - Key recommendations include enhancing fiscal sustainability, fostering competition, addressing skilled labor shortages, and promoting regional development during transitions to green and digital economies [29][30][61] Summary by Sections 1. Strengthening Fiscal Policy and Continuing Structural Reforms - The German economy is stagnating due to a combination of external shocks and structural issues, with a need for reforms to improve fiscal sustainability and address rising spending pressures from an aging population [63][64] - Structural reforms should focus on increasing spending efficiency, reallocating resources, and broadening the tax base to support infrastructure and defense spending [33][36] 2. Fostering Competition to Revive Business Dynamism and Productivity Growth - High administrative burdens and regulatory barriers hinder business dynamism and innovation, necessitating a review and simplification of regulations [44][46] - The report emphasizes the importance of reducing barriers to entry in services and strengthening competition enforcement to enhance productivity [44][46] 3. Addressing Skilled Labour Shortages - Skilled labor shortages are a significant concern, exacerbated by demographic changes and a decline in working hours, requiring improved incentives for labor supply, particularly for women and older workers [50][51] - Recommendations include phasing out early retirement incentives and enhancing vocational training and adult education to better align skills with labor market needs [52][53] 4. Fostering Regional Development in Times of Structural Change - Regional disparities in living standards persist, and the green and digital transitions risk widening these gaps, highlighting the need for better coordination of policies and improved municipal capacities [56][58] - The report suggests using updated property values to enhance municipal tax revenues and improve financial accountability [58][59]

Investment Rating - The report does not explicitly provide an investment rating for the health accounts initiative in Brazil Core Insights - The OECD supports Brazil's Ministry of Health in institutionalising annual health accounts to enhance health policy decision-making and ensure alignment with international standards [15][28] - The report highlights the need for comprehensive documentation of the production process, data sources, and methodologies to improve transparency and sustainability of health accounts [29][31] - Brazil's health spending is lower than the OECD average, with significant reliance on voluntary health insurance and out-of-pocket payments [34] Summary by Sections National Health Accounts – a tool to track health spending - National health accounts are essential for tracking health spending and informing policy decisions, with Brazil having a history of health satellite accounts and attempts at national health accounts [27][53] - The OECD emphasizes the importance of systematic tracking of health spending to improve transparency and accountability in health systems [39][71] Overview of the Brazilian health system - The introduction of the Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS) has increased access to health services, but financing remains complex with significant roles for private health insurance [22][23] - Brazil's health spending data indicates a higher proportion allocated to outpatient care compared to inpatient services, with notable gaps in coverage for pharmaceuticals [34][36] A new approach to institutionalise health accounts production in Brazil - The report assesses the proposed methodology for estimating health spending in Brazil, finding it generally aligned with international standards but identifying areas for improvement [30][32] - Recommendations include establishing a dedicated national health accounts team and developing strong relationships with data providers to enhance the production process [34][36] Expanding the scope: Possible extensions of health accounts in Brazil - Future expansions could include mapping health spending to providers, tracking health sector investments, and exploring regional variations in health spending [20][36] Strengthening health accounts in Brazil: Institutionalisation, governance, and policy impact - The report suggests that Brazil should strengthen its dissemination strategy to maximize the impact of health accounts on policy-making, including the publication of metadata and methodological reports [35][36]

Investment Rating - The report does not explicitly provide an investment rating for the health accounts industry Core Insights - Health accounts are crucial for systematically monitoring financial resources allocated to health and informing evidence-based policy formulation [27] - The institutionalization of health accounts is essential for ensuring the regular production of high-quality health expenditure data [29] - There is no one-size-fits-all approach to institutionalizing health accounts, as various factors influence the best practices for each country [30] Summary by Sections Executive Summary - Health accounts track health expenditure across three basic dimensions: financing, provision, and services, with many countries also interested in additional applications such as subnational health financing [27][28] - The report emphasizes the need for permanent institutionalization of health accounts production to ensure high-quality data [28][29] Implementation of Health Accounts in OECD Countries - Almost all OECD countries have implemented a health accounts system, producing internationally comparable data on health expenditure annually [63] - The report highlights significant differences in the level of detail in reporting among countries, with some providing very detailed data while others remain more aggregated [64][65] Components of Institutionalization of Health Accounts - Governance is critical, with countries having various options for assigning responsibility for health accounts production, each with its advantages and challenges [31][32] - Establishing expert groups can enhance the quality and legitimacy of health accounts by involving a broader range of stakeholders [34] - Technical processes for producing health accounts vary significantly, necessitating clear operational procedures and quality assurance at all stages [35][36] Conclusion - The report concludes that effective dissemination strategies are vital for maximizing the impact of health accounts on policy-making [37][40] - The adaptability of health accounts to meet changing information needs is crucial for maintaining their relevance in health policy [40]

Investment Rating - The report does not explicitly provide an investment rating for the industry Core Insights - Health accounts are essential for systematically monitoring financial resources allocated to health and informing evidence-based policy making. They track health spending across three core dimensions: financing, provision, and services, with many countries also examining subnational health financing and spending breakdowns by age, gender, and disease [25][28] - The institutionalization of health accounts is crucial for ensuring the regular production of high-quality health expenditure data. This involves governance, technical production processes, and dissemination strategies to enhance policy use [28][39] - There is no "one size fits all" approach to institutionalizing health accounts, as various factors such as health system characteristics and administrative cultures influence the best practices for each country [29][30] Summary by Sections Implementation of Health Accounts in OECD Countries - Nearly all OECD countries have implemented "A System of Health Accounts" (SHA 2011) and produce internationally comparable data on health expenditure and financing annually, with the exception of New Zealand [60][61] - Most OECD countries report data on health financing, healthcare services, and health providers, with over three-quarters able to identify revenues of financing schemes [61][62] - Countries like Australia and Canada provide detailed national analyses that go beyond standard reporting, including breakdowns by age, gender, and disease [62][66] Components of Institutionalization of Health Accounts - Governance structures for health accounts vary, with some countries placing responsibility within the Ministry of Health, while others use National Statistical Institutes or independent health agencies [30][31] - A legal mandate for health accounts production exists in most surveyed countries, which helps ensure sustainable financing and stakeholder engagement [31] - Establishing expert groups for health accounts can enhance the quality and legitimacy of the data produced [34] Technical Production Process - The technical process for producing health accounts varies widely, but best practices include clear operational procedures, sufficient staffing, and adequate IT infrastructure [35][36] - Quality assurance and comprehensive documentation of the production process are vital for maintaining capacity and improving future production rounds [36] Dissemination Strategy and Data Use - Developing effective dissemination strategies is crucial for maximizing the impact of health accounts on policy use. This includes producing various outputs tailored to different audiences [37][38] - Engaging with stakeholders such as health ministries, parliamentarians, and civil society can enhance the policy relevance and use of health accounts data [38][39] Conclusion - The report emphasizes the importance of adapting health accounts to meet changing information needs and maintaining their relevance for policy making [39][40]

Investment Rating - The report does not explicitly provide an investment rating for the health accounts in Brazil. Core Insights - The institutionalization of health accounts in Brazil is essential for systematic monitoring of health expenditures, which is crucial for informed health policy decisions. The OECD supports this initiative to align with international standards and enhance the analytical potential of health accounts [15][16][27]. Summary by Sections Introduction - The report emphasizes the importance of systematic monitoring of health expenditures due to increasing demand for healthcare services and the need for efficient allocation of public funds. The OECD is assisting Brazil in implementing and institutionalizing health accounts as a tool for tracking health spending [39][40]. National Health Accounts as a Monitoring Tool - National health accounts are vital for systematically tracking health expenditures and informing public policy decisions. The chapter discusses the historical context of health accounts in OECD countries and Brazil, highlighting previous attempts to institutionalize health accounts in Brazil [53][54]. Overview of the Brazilian Health System - The introduction of the Unified Health System (SUS) has increased access to health services for a large portion of the population. However, the financing of SUS is complex, and private health insurance plays a significant role in Brazil [23][25]. New Approach to Institutionalizing Health Accounts in Brazil - The Brazilian Ministry of Health has committed to annual health accounts to fully utilize this analytical tool. The report provides recommendations for institutionalizing regular health accounts and disseminating results for greater political impact [16][27][36]. Contextualizing Brazil's Health Expenditure Data Internationally - Brazil's health expenditure per capita is lower than most OECD countries, with 45% of total health spending coming from compulsory financing regimes, significantly lower than the OECD average of 75%. The role of voluntary health insurance is more pronounced in Brazil, accounting for 27% of total health spending [32][31]. Expanding the Scope of Health Accounts in Brazil - The report suggests mapping health expenditures to providers, completing the financing landscape, and monitoring investments in the health sector for future resilience. It also highlights regional variations in health spending and the need for detailed expenditure data by disease and demographics [20][6]. Strengthening Health Accounts in Brazil - Institutionalization requires a solid foundation, governance, and political impact. The report emphasizes the importance of establishing a dedicated team for national health accounts and maintaining good relationships with data providers [7][34][35].

Investment Rating - The report does not provide a specific investment rating for the health accounts industry. Core Insights - The report emphasizes the importance of institutionalizing health accounts to ensure the regular production of high-quality data on health expenditures and financing, which is crucial for evidence-based policy-making [16][28][41]. - It highlights that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to institutionalization, as various factors such as health system characteristics and administrative rules influence how health accounts should be best institutionalized in each country [29][30]. - The report identifies best practices in governance, technical processes, and dissemination strategies based on the experiences of thirteen OECD countries [16][28][36]. Summary by Sections Executive Summary - Health accounts are essential for systematically monitoring financial resources allocated to health and informing evidence-based policy formulation. Many countries are interested in additional applications of health accounts, such as examining financing and expenditures on a subnational basis or by demographic factors [26][27]. - The report focuses on how the production of health accounts has been permanently institutionalized in various countries, which has received less attention in previous analyses [27][28]. Implementation of Health Accounts in OECD Countries - Almost all OECD countries have implemented a health accounts system and produce annually comparable data on health expenditures and financing. The report provides an overview of the current state of implementation and highlights examples of countries that have gone beyond standard reporting [61][62]. - The report notes that while the quality of reporting has improved, significant gaps and issues remain, such as difficulties in distinguishing between generalist and specialized care in outpatient spending [63][64]. Components of Institutionalization of Health Accounts - The report discusses the governance of health accounts, emphasizing the importance of designating the right institution for production and the legal mandate for sustainable funding. It also highlights the need for good relationships with data providers and stakeholders [30][31][32]. - Technical processes for producing health accounts vary significantly among countries, but best practices include clear operational procedures, sufficient staffing, and adequate IT infrastructure [34][35]. - Effective dissemination strategies are crucial for maximizing the impact of health accounts and their use in policy-making. The report suggests producing a range of results for different users to enhance awareness and relevance [36][37]. Conclusion - The report concludes by summarizing best practices observed in the institutionalization of health accounts across the thirteen OECD countries, emphasizing the need for adaptability to meet changing information needs [56].