Premier David Crisafulli has embarked on a high-stakes lobbying campaign, directly appealing to two foreign prime ministers in his pursuit of hosting the prestigious Quad leaders’ summit. This move comes just a day after Queensland’s request for a detailed meeting on the proposal was turned down by the federal government.
Documents obtained through Right to Information legislation reveal that Crisafulli proposed Brisbane as one of three potential venues to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese for Australia’s first Quad summit. This gathering would unite the leaders of Australia, India, Japan, and the United States, aiming to counterbalance China’s regional influence.
Queensland’s Ambitious Bid
The documents highlight the extent of Crisafulli’s ambition. After initial inquiries in February, the Queensland government was advised that the decision rested with the prime minister, prompting Crisafulli to write to Albanese on May 14.
“Queensland offers world-class venues, international accessibility through major airports in Brisbane, Cairns, and the Gold Coast, and proven experience in hosting high-level international events,” Crisafulli wrote. He emphasized Queensland’s strong defense infrastructure and economic synergies with Quad priorities, particularly in advanced manufacturing and critical minerals.
Direct Appeals to Foreign Leaders
Crisafulli made his intentions public during a July 4 Independence Day event hosted by the American Chamber of Commerce in Brisbane. Meanwhile, his department sought to arrange a Queensland delegation to Canberra to discuss the proposal with the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet (DPMC).
However, on July 15, the DPMC indicated that discussions on hosting arrangements would only occur once future meeting schedules were settled. Undeterred, Crisafulli directly appealed to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi the following day, citing Queensland’s successful hosting of the 2014 G20 Leaders’ Summit.
Two days later, a similar letter was sent to then-Japanese Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru, highlighting Queensland’s strategic geographical position and its role in Australia’s partnership with Japan.
Local Support and Strategic Timing
The Brisbane Economic Development Agency (BEDA) was the only local entity to proactively reach out to the premier’s department, offering support for the bid. Holly Aldridge, BEDA’s head of business events, expressed interest in understanding how they could assist in the process.
Crisafulli’s lobbying efforts appear to have borne fruit. During an August visit to Brisbane, Albanese expressed support for the premier’s initiative, noting the opportunity to showcase Brisbane ahead of the 2032 Olympics.
“In the lead-up to Brisbane 2032, it is an opportunity to showcase this great global city to the world,” Albanese stated. “I’ll work constructively with the premier to make sure that that happens.”
Looking Forward
Crisafulli hailed Albanese’s endorsement as a testament to the success of his campaign. “We are on the cusp of a golden age for Queensland, which means we can now get ready to take on more major opportunities like hosting the Quad,” he said.
Assuming no changes in leadership, the next Quad meeting would feature Albanese, US President Donald Trump, Modi, and new Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi. The potential economic and diplomatic benefits of hosting such a significant event could bolster Queensland’s global profile and economic prospects.
As Queensland awaits a decision, the premier’s strategic lobbying underscores the state’s ambition to play a pivotal role on the international stage, leveraging its unique advantages and past successes in hosting global events.
