Event - 2026 May Luncheon – “Running on Empty”

A bit of a hybrid event this month. Dr Ross Lambie from the Minerals Council will lead off with a federal budget wrap, before we head into a panel discussion with Ross, Izzi and Jeff. 

The “Running on Empty” theme works for both elements. Our federal government genuinely hoped that the economy would be humming by now, with productivity on the up and ‘Future Made in Australia’ initiatives turbo-charging an economy underpinned by lower energy costs from renewable power, with this buoyant economy driving higher tax revenues and reducing debt levels. But no, we now have an economy running on empty, with a burgeoning public service and unions taking the Pilbara back to the 70s, rapidly escalating energy costs underpinning persistent inflation, plummeting productivity, a major cohort of Aussies struggling with the cost of living (230,000 people in WA rely upon Foodbank support) and the great Australian dream of home ownership slipping beyond the means of most. Pretty bleak. Running on empty in fact.

So ……. what does all this mean for the resources industry ? Do we need to be on guard in case the government sees us as a pinnata, with super profits taxes and fuel rebate reduction back on the agenda ? The Minerals Council operates at ground zero in Canberra and is at the forefront of government intel, so we are very fortunate to have the Minerals Council’s Dr Lambie available to bring us up to speed on the budgetary implications for our industry in the coming years.

Then we pivot to a panel discussion on domestic fuel (and fuel derivatives) shortages and energy policy. Again, running on empty. Heavily reliant on imports after decades of ideologically based fossil fuel demonisation and the consequent lack of domestic resource development, Australia is left vulnerable and reliant on the charity of others.  What impact is this all having in the resources industry – evidence suggests that the smaller end of the market and explorers are bearing the brunt of shortages ? We’ll get an update on the current state of affairs in the middle east and touch on the secondary economic impacts heading our way from supply chain shortages in fuel derivative products, from fertilisers to plastics to helium and beyond.  So much to discuss…

This promises to be a fascinating and timely discussion! Don’t miss it. Ticket sales close Thu 21^st May.