On Wednesday 11 March 2026 and Thursday 12 March 2026, the AKBC held the 2026 Canberra Leadership Summit with AKBC members, stakeholders and Australian ministers.
The Canberra Leadership Summit, brought together senior leaders for a full day of dialogue on Australia’s political, trade and strategic landscape and its implications for Australia–Korea relations.
The program began at the National Press Club of Australia with opening remarks from Hon Martin Ferguson AM, Chair, AKBC and Liz Griffin, CEO, AKBC, setting the tone for discussions across government, policy and business engagement.
Here are some highlights from yesterday’s program:
🔹 A strategic briefing from Elly Lawson, Deputy Secretary, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade on Australia’s international priorities and regional outlook.
🔹 An Australian politics briefing by Dennis Shanahan, National Editor, The Australian, providing context on the domestic political landscape and its relevance for business engagement.
🔹 A trade-focused discussion led by Jason Verspuy, General Manager, Austrade on opportunities and challenges for Australian businesses engaging with key partners including the Republic of Korea.
🔹 A practical session on Australian Government relations, featuring insights and Q&A with Ashley Wells, Managing Director, A.GR Advisors.
Day 1 concluded concluded with the Networking Reception with Australia-Republic of Korea Parliamentary Friendship Group and the Korean Embassy - Sip & Seoul at Hotel Realm, co-hosted with the Australia–Republic of Korea Parliamentary Friendship Group and the Embassy of the Republic of Korea.
This networking reception provided an opportunity to continue insightful conversations from the morning briefings from the Canberra Leadership Summit and strengthen connections across the Australia–Korea partnership. 🥂
The evening was attended by more than 60 guests, including AKBC Members, stakeholders and Australian Parliamentarians. We thank David Smith MP, Member for Bean, and Mr Jimin Kim, Chargé d’Affaires a.i. of the Republic of Korea to Australia, for delivering welcoming remarks. David Smith MP is part of the Australia-Korea Parliamentary Friendship Group.
A special thank you to our members, CJ Foods Oceania, Harmony Agriculture & Food Company and Seoul Tonic for supporting the event and providing their food and beverage products, helping elevate the experience for all attendees.
Day 2 concluded with a series of high-level roundtables at Australian Parliament House, providing delegates with direct engagement with Ministers, Members of Parliament and policymakers on the priorities shaping Australia–Korea partnerships and cooperation.
We thank all Ministers who participated in the AKBC Canberra Leadership Summit for an insightful discussion. The topics discussed covered:
🎤 Pathway for Australia’s Energy Transition to 2050, with Hon. Dan Tehan MP, Shadow Minister for Energy and Emissions Reduction, Manager of Opposition Business
🎤 Australia–Korea strategic partnership in a contested Indo-Pacific, with Hon. Matt Thistlethwaite MP, Assistant Minister for Immigration and Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade
🎤 Critical Minerals, LNG and Resources for Australia’s Future, Hon. Madeleine King MP – Minister for Resources and Minister for Northern Australia
🎤 Energy Transition and Cross Border Cooperation, Hon. Chris Bowen MP – Minister for Climate Change and Energy
🎤 Australia–Korea trade, tourism and investment from major trading partners to major investors, Hon. Kevin Hogan MP, Shadow Minister for Trade, Investment and Tourism, Member for Page
🎤 From trading partner to investment partner – scaling Korean capital into Australia’s strategic economy, Hon. Daniel Mulino, Assistant Treasurer and Minister for Financial Services
🎤 Australia–Korea trade and investment under KAFTA: from major trading partners to major investors, Senator the Hon. Don Farrell – Special Minister of State; Minister for Trade and Tourism; Deputy Leader of the Government in the Senate
The Canberra Leadership Summit concluded with reflections from Hon Martin Ferguson AM, Chair, AKBC and Liz Griffin, CEO, AKBC, highlighting the value of continued dialogue and cooperation between government and industry in strengthening the Australia–Korea bilateral relationship.
Thank you to all speakers, and participants for contributing to a productive and memorable two-day program.
