It sounds like pain for all, everywhere!!!!    I'm nervous here!  So it can't be any worse being nervous there....   I think Australia has a more stable economic future than the US!   I'm betting the ranch on it!

I think you might mean that literally too 😮

Australia's economy is currently run by the mining companies. Our Govt had promised a surplus for the 2013 budget, so to prove a point for a short time the mining companies put a hold on new projects and then the Govt had to apologise for breaking another promise, admitting that we are no longer on track for a surplus. Our mining companies want cheaper labour, and if they can't get them in Australia they want to bring them in from overseas on working visas .... our unions are screaming.  Eventually the current govt will be forced out and the mines will get what they want. Might be good for business if you supply the mines either directly or indirectly, but no guarantee that it will be good for the rest of the economy.  Fly in / Fly out labour travel light.  Souvenirs are prossibly not high on their buying list.

Right now our dollar is far too strong, which means tourism and higher education (international students) are not attractive.  Add to that a string of natural disasters in Qld and we are sure to see many more tourist based businesses close.  I imagine this would be your target market.

Normally I would suggest trying to move to the east coast to target tourism, but honestly if you are worried about the economy then look for work in a mining town because tourism is doing it tough. 😞