As the calendar flips to 2025, it’s the perfect time to reflect on the ambitious tech predictions and lofty corporate promises that were set years ago for this very moment. Would Australia truly transform into a renewable energy powerhouse with pervasive high-speed internet, seamless eCommerce, and a new head of state by now? The results are in, and the scorecard reveals a mix of resounding successes, works-in-progress, and initiatives that have entirely fizzled out. Let’s dive in and separate the prescient projections from the overblown hype.
Posts Pivot to Electric Vehicles
One of the most visible shifts that was promised by 2025 is the phasing out of Australia Post’s iconic red postie motorcycles in favor of safer, more efficient electric trikes and bikes. The agency boldly told a parliamentary inquiry years ago that its entire fleet would be electrified by now in order to carry more parcels and leverage improved technology. So far, Australia Post appears to be delivering on that promise, with over 5,000 electric vehicles currently in its network – the largest such fleet nationally. Regular petrol motorcycles are still in use where terrain requires it, but they too are steadily being replaced by electric versions.
Supercharged Sustainability
Not to be outdone, Australia’s supermarket duopoly also set aggressive renewable energy goals for 2025. Coles is on track to source 100% of its electricity from green sources this year through a combination of onsite solar and power purchase agreements. Meanwhile, rival Woolworths, despite slower progress, has contracts in place to also hit its 100% renewables target on time. Aldi, interestingly, claimed to have already reached that milestone in 2021.
Sovereignty Still With The Crown
On the political front, the predictions have proven less prescient. In 2015, then-opposition leader Bill Shorten boldly proclaimed that Australia would become a republic within a decade. But the idea failed to gain steam, even after Queen Elizabeth II’s passing, with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stating it was not an imminent priority. The resounding defeat of the Indigenous Voice to Parliament referendum in 2023 also dampened any hopes of reopening the republican debate.
Packaging Falls Short
An ambitious nationwide target was set in 2018 for 100% of packaging to be recyclable, reusable or compostable by 2025. However, a review last year found that goal was unlikely to be met, along with related waste reduction targets, without much stricter regulatory oversight. Recycling advocates argue that stronger “product stewardship” schemes and incentives are still needed to promote the necessary markets for recycled materials.
NBN Rollout on Track
On a brighter note, the National Broadband Network is poised to achieve its revised goal of expanding full-fiber access to 1.5 million additional premises by the end of 2025, enabling up to 90% of the fixed line footprint to have near-gigabit speeds. As of August, over 8.8 million homes and businesses were already eligible for the highest speed tiers, with the latest numbers due in February. The network upgrades, championed by the Labor government, have helped meet the soaring demands of remote work and education.
South Australia’s Renewable Boom
At a state level, South Australia is basking in its successful transition from fossil fuels, having met its ambitious goal of 75% renewable electricity by 2025 a full two years early. The state now aims to hit 100% renewables by 2030 and is pioneering the large-scale integration of variable wind and solar generation. Storage solutions like batteries and pumped hydro are the next frontier.
Electorate Parity for Parliament
Lastly, 2025 has delivered on its promise of a more representative parliament, with over 50% of Labor MPs now being women, fulfilling a target set a decade prior. The party reached the milestone after the 2022 election and a subsequent by-election, marking an important step toward gender parity in Australian politics.
From e-commerce to energy production, Australia’s tech transformation has been a case study in both soaring successes and humbling misfires. As new targets are set for 2030 and beyond, the lessons from this report card will be invaluable in aligning aspirations with realities on the ground. Bold visions must be paired with pragmatic policymaking to keep Australia at the forefront of innovation this decade – and to ensure its 2035 predictions prove more hit than miss.
