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Protecting Australia’s agriculture industry, keeping trucks on the road and safeguarding regional Australia from the fuel crisis will be front and centre of Anthony Albanese’s conversation when he attends News Corp’s Bush Summit.
The national event, which convenes industry titans, political leaders and regional powerhouses will head back to its roots in Dubbo, NSW, for a two-day gathering on August 26 and 27.
The Prime Minister, who has attended every Bush Summit since its inception, said fuel security would be front of mind. It comes amid cautious optimism that peace talks between the United States and Iran could finally open the Strait of Hormuz after more than three months.
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Labor’s fuel excise reduction, which has been more than halved to 20.6 cents a litre, and the reduction of the heavy road user charge from 32.4 cents to zero will end on June 30, with Treasurer Jim Chalmers watering down chances of an extension.
“We’re taking every practical measure to shield all Australians from the worst of the conflict happening in the Middle East, including boosting fuel supply, cutting fuel costs at the bowser and backing the truckies who keep the country moving,” Mr Albanese said.
Mr Albanese also credited the bush with powering Australia, stating: “It’s how we grow our food, drive our economy and keep the nation moving”.
“My government is focused on delivering for all Australians and building a better future for every part of the country,” he said.
“That all begins in the bush and that’s why I am so please to join this year’s bush summit in Dubbo.”
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Queensland Premier David Crisafulli has also confirmed his attendance, with other state and territory leaders expected to follow.
Mr Crisafulli said he’ll use the event to start a national conversation on increasing Australia sovereign fuel capacity amid Queensland’s tussle with the federal government over fast-tracking drilling in the Taroom Trough, which would be Australia’s first new oilfield in half a century. Federal Environment Minister Murray Watt has maintained its up to the state government to submit the proposal and necessary documentation.
“I’d love this year’s Bush Summit to recognise that the Queensland Government’s fuel security plan to drill, refine and store fuel again is of national significance and critical to preserving the brilliant way of life you can have living in our regions,” Mr Crisafulli said.
“We’ve got a plan to do it and if Canberra is genuine about wanting to do more for our regions, they’ll get out of the way and get on board.”
Hailing from the far north Queensland town of Ingham, Mr Crisafulli said he’s “seen the degradation” of opportunities for bush communities and accused former governments of ignoring the issue for “southeast city lip service”.
“As the son of a North Queensland cane farmer, at my core I want people who are born and raised in the regions to have the same opportunities to stay, work and raise their family in the towns and cities they love,” he said.
Bush Summit: Have Your Say is supported by S.Kidman & Co.
Originally published as Anthony Albanese to confront fuel crisis at 2026 Bush Summit in Dubbo
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