Sen Susan McDonald – PM’s address, and the fuel crisis (2 April)

In this episode of Rural Queensland Today, host Ben Dobbin opens with a critical reflection on the Prime Minister's recent address, which he describes as poorly timed and ineffective, particularly given the ongoing fuel crisis across Australia. Senator Susan McDonald joins the show to express her frustration with the government's lack of transparency and leadership during a period of national urgency. She highlights the severe fuel shortages affecting regional communities, farmers, and small businesses, emphasizing that the government failed to provide the guidance Australians need to plan for the future. McDonald attributes the crisis to years of policy inaction, particularly the decline in oil and gas exploration due to environmental activism and regulatory delays, and calls for renewed investment in domestic energy production to prevent future shortages. She also touches on broader economic challenges, including supply chain issues and inflation, while cautioning that the current government's handling of these issues may have long-term consequences for Australia's international standing, especially with the U.S. As the conversation turns to the upcoming election, McDonald warns that rural and regional voters are becoming increasingly disillusioned with the current government, suggesting that this discontent could shape future electoral outcomes. Despite the gravity of the situation, the episode ends on a personal note, with McDonald sharing her plans to spend Easter in Cloncurry, reconnecting with family and enjoying the seasonal renewal of the land.