11 hours ago
9
Premier David Crisafulli directly lobbied two foreign prime ministers in his bid to host the Quad leaders’ summit, a day after the federal government rebuffed Queensland’s request for a detailed meeting to discuss the proposal.
Documents obtained by this masthead through Right to Information legislation show Crisafulli offered up Brisbane as just one of three potential locations to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to host Australia’s first Quad.
The summit would bring together the prime ministers of Australia, India and Japan and the President of the United States – a grouping of democracies that, in part, aimed to contain communist China’s influence in the region.
Premier David Crisafulli has started an ambitious campaign to bring Trump and other Quad world leaders to Queensland.Credit: Matt Davidson
The released documents show the extent of Crisafulli’s ambition.
After initial queries about the bidding process in February, the Queensland government was advised it would be the prime minister’s call, so a letter to Albanese would be the best approach.
Crisafulli directly made the case to the prime minister 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,” he wrote in the letter to Albanese.
“Queensland also has strong defence infrastructure, research capability and economic synergies with Quad priorities, particularly in advanced manufacturing, critical minerals, and innovation.”
Crisafulli made his goal to bring US President Donald Trump to Queensland public during a July 4 Independence Day lunch, hosted by the American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham) in Brisbane.
At the same time, Crisafulli’s department was attempting to arrange for a Queensland delegation to Canberra, which included senior police, to meet with the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet (DPMC) to discuss the request.
But on July 15, 11 days after the AmCham lunch, the DPMC sought to temper expectations.
Premier David Crisafulli speaking at the July 4 American Chamber of Commerce lunch in Brisbane.Credit: Cameron Atfield
“We understand the interest of officials from [the Department of Premier and Cabinet] and the Queensland Police Service to discuss in more detail, but we are unable to substantively engage on hosting arrangements until forward scheduling of future meetings is settled between Leaders,” the DPMC wrote to the premier’s department.
“Once a decision is made, relevant parties will be engaged on hosting arrangements as a matter of priority.”
The following day, Crisafulli made a direct plea to Modi.
“Queensland hosted the G20 Leaders’ Summit in November 2014 in our capital city, Brisbane, also the location of India’s newest Consulate in Australia,” he said in a letter addressed to the Indian leader.
Two days after Crisafulli’s letter to Modi, another was sent to then-Japanese prime minister Ishiba Shigeru.
“Queensland plays an integral role in Australia’s special partnership with Japan,” Crisafulli wrote.
“Queensland hosted the G20 Leaders’ Summit in November 2014 in our capital city, Brisbane.
“Queensland is uniquely placed to host the 2026 Quad Leaders’ Summit given our state’s strategic geography in the region. I would appreciate discussing this opportunity with you to further strengthen our economic, security and defence ties across the Indo-Pacific.”
Both letters were sent ahead of Crisafulli’s trade mission to the countries in August and September, and sought meetings with both leaders – but those meetings did not go ahead.
While Cairns and the Gold Coast were mentioned as potential host cities, only the council-led Brisbane Economic Development Agency contacted the premier’s department to offer support.
“Following the Premier’s recent media about The Quad leaders’ summit, we are reaching out to understand if there is any support you need from BEDA for the bidding process for this event from a Brisbane perspective,” BEDA head of business events Holly Aldridge wrote to the premier’s office on July 16.
“My colleague was speaking with the team at the Council of Mayors (SEQ) yesterday, who are also interested to understand what the process may look like and where we could all best assist government.”
Loading
Crisafulli’s lobbying to at least one of the prime ministers has proven fruitful. During a visit to Brisbane in August, Albanese said he supported the premier’s push.
“In the lead-up to Brisbane 2032, it is an opportunity to showcase this great global city to the world,” he said.
“I’ll work constructively with the premier to make sure that that happens.”
Crisafulli said Albanese’s endorsement showed how successful his campaign had been.
“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.
“The investment in global attention that could flow from an event as significant as the Quad brings benefits, opportunities and jobs, which is exactly how we are delivering a better lifestyle through a stronger economy.”
Assuming no changes in leadership, the next Quad meeting would consist of Albanese, Trump, Modi and new Japanese PM Sanae Takaichi.
Start the day with a summary of the day’s most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter.
Most Viewed in National
Loading
