Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has expressed support for hosting the 2026 Quad summit in Brisbane, a proposal championed by Queensland Premier David Crisafulli. Describing the opportunity as “golden,” Crisafulli emphasized the potential benefits of welcoming US President Donald Trump, alongside other world leaders, to Australia, marking a significant moment for diplomatic engagement.
Albanese highlighted the summit as a chance for him to meet Trump formally for the first time and expressed his commitment to collaborating with Crisafulli to ensure the event becomes a reality. He aims to spotlight Queensland on the international stage, particularly with the Brisbane 2032 Olympics in view.
Crisafulli indicated that the Quad summit’s significance extends beyond just the presence of Trump; it represents an economic opportunity for Australia and the member nations—India, Japan, and the US. He stressed the importance of proactive measures to seize this chance, noting that Queensland is poised for growth, and it’s time to pursue these opportunities actively.
The Quad meetings focus on key discussions regarding the security and prosperity within the Indo-Pacific region. However, existing trade tensions could pose challenges, especially with Trump having threatened to escalate tariffs on Indian imports, sparking concerns about whether Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi might cancel the upcoming meeting. This uncertainty could further delay Albanese’s anticipated first encounter with Trump, originally expected to occur at the summit in New Delhi.
While the specific date for the Quad meeting has yet to be confirmed, Albanese mentioned he remains open to a potential meeting with Trump at an upcoming United Nations summit in New York. He stated his readiness to engage at any moment, reaffirming his commitment to maintaining constructive communication with the US administration.
In summary, both the Prime Minister and the Queensland Premier are keen on leveraging the opportunity to enhance international relations while showcasing Queensland as a prime destination for world leaders.