FULL SHOW 20th MARCH 2026
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Rural Queensland Today delivers a dynamic and urgent broadcast on Friday, 20th March 2026, tackling pressing issues facing regional Australia. The episode opens with Senator Susan MacDonald delivering a fiery critique of the federal Labor government’s handling of the worsening fuel and fertiliser crisis, blaming policy missteps and ideological overreach for undermining Australia’s agricultural and mining sectors. She highlights the dire situation in Far North Queensland amid Cyclone Norell’s approach and calls for urgent action to secure fuel and fertiliser supplies, advocating for a return to fossil fuel investment and industrial leadership. The show then celebrates Angie Nesbitt, the 2026 AgriFutures Queensland Rural Women’s Award winner, for her pioneering work in rural women’s health through the Sunsafe Glove initiative, emphasizing resilience, innovation, and female empowerment in agriculture. Damien Scanlon, CEO of Rebel Seeds, joins to discuss groundbreaking wheat breeding that improves nitrogen efficiency—potentially revolutionizing crop sustainability amid global supply shortages. The episode closes with a historic moment: Emma Lawrence becoming the first female play-by-play caller in NRL history, marking a milestone for gender equality in sports broadcasting. Throughout, the show blends policy critique, grassroots innovation, and celebration of women’s leadership in rural Australia.
The fuel and fertiliser crisis is escalating due to poor government planning and global supply disruptions, threatening regional food security.
Rebel Seeds’ nitrogen-efficient wheat varieties could drastically reduce fertiliser dependency and offer a sustainable farming solution.
Women in rural Australia are driving innovation and breaking barriers—seen in Angie Nesbitt’s award and Emma Lawrence’s historic NRL debut.
Agricultural resilience depends on both technological innovation and strong leadership, not just government support.
Regional economies are under strain from multiple crises: cyclones, supply shortages, and policy uncertainty.
Fuel Crisis and Political Critique
“Australians are paying the price for this ideology. Instead we should be turning back to the things that we are good at, that we are exceptional at is producing cheap electricity, which allows us to have well-paid jobs.”
Celebrating Rural Women: Angie Nesbitt's Triumph
“You can do it all. It's not easy. Nothing's easy. But, you know, you just don't – if you've got a dream and a passion project, you just rip in and have a go.”
Rebel Seeds: A Game-Changing Agricultural Innovation
“We can put it into existing varieties that we already have... we could get it into the field within the next couple of years.”
Emma Lawrence Makes History as First Female NRL Play-by-Play Caller
“If you don't see a woman doing it, you probably don't ever think it's an option. So hopefully I can... encourage others to, doesn't have to be sport or calling whatever it is but if it's not a female dominated area, that doesn't mean you can't give it a go.”
Emerald Cattle Sale and Regional Economic Update
Matt Beard provides a detailed report on the 3,200-head cattle yarding at Emerald, highlighting strong market performance, particularly in feeder steers and prime cattle, despite ongoing regional challenges.
“If you don't see a woman doing it, you probably don't ever think it's an option. So hopefully I can... encourage others to, doesn't have to be sport or calling whatever it is but if it's not a female dominated area, that doesn't mean you can't give it a go.”
“You can do it all. It's not easy. Nothing's easy. But, you know, you just don't – if you've got a dream and a passion project, you just rip in and have a go.”
“Australians are paying the price for this ideology. Instead we should be turning back to the things that we are good at, that we are exceptional at is producing cheap electricity, which allows us to have well-paid jobs.”
Host
Guests
Senator Susan MacDonald
person
Emma Lawrence
person
Angie Nesbitt
person
Damien Scanlon
person
Rebel Seeds
organization
Matt Beard
person
AgriFutures Australian Rural Women's Award
other
Emerald Auction Centre
organization
Cyclone Norell
other
NRL
other
SENATOR SUSAN MCDOAND - Part 2
Rural Queensland Today with Ben Dobbin • 11m • 4/7/2026
FULL SHOW 2nd APRIL 2026
Rural Queensland Today with Ben Dobbin • 36m • 4/7/2026
Sean Dillon, Gregory MP – Fuel crisis (26 March)
Rural Queensland Today with Ben Dobbin • 10m • 4/7/2026
Sen Susan McDonald – PM’s address, and the fuel crisis (2 April)
Rural Queensland Today with Ben Dobbin • 10m • 4/7/2026
FULL SHOW 31st MARCH 2026
Rural Queensland Today with Ben Dobbin • 39m • 4/7/2026
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