28 Apr 2026
Industry leaders call for targeted federal support for SMEs as fuel crisis risks lasting economic damage
Queensland’s leading business peak body groups are urging the Federal Government to expand support measures to include a wider range of small businesses during the ongoing fuel crisis.
The Queensland Farmers’ Federation (QFF), the Queensland Tourism Industry Council (QTIC), and Business Chamber Queensland, are calling on the Federal Government to release a targeted package of support specifically for Small to Medium Enterprises (SMEs) to keep these vital family businesses operating and regional economies going during what have become incredibly challenging times.
Measures to date have focused on fuel supply rather than supporting SMEs, as business confidence across Queensland continues to decline. Farmers, tourism operators, and all SMEs across Queensland are now faced with significant cashflow constraints in a highly uncertain operating environment.
Initial support from the Economic Resilience Program, including access to zero interest loans, did not extend to key business groups, including agriculture and a range of other SMEs despite significant and ongoing market disruptions.
The Queensland Farmers’ Federation’s CEO Jo Sheppard said that fuel costs have increased by approximately 50 percent and for an average family mixed cropping farm, that will see their annual fuel bill increase from $300,000 to over $450,000. The cost of fertiliser has in many cases doubled, alongside the increasing costs of fuel.
“QFF is calling for targeted support for SMEs to keep these businesses operational throughout this crisis, and to minimise the long-tail impacts these spiralling costs will have on cash flows, the broader supply chain and food security across Queensland,” Ms Sheppard said.
“Over 90 percent of farming enterprises are SMEs and these businesses have been hit with a double whammy of significant increases in two of their key inputs – fuel and fertiliser.”
“We have farmers in Queensland who are looking at the current fuel, fertiliser and freight supply chain and seriously questioning their capacity to plant and harvest over the coming season.”
“This should be ringing alarm bells – not just from a food security standpoint, but for the impacts this will have on regional economies, associated supply chains, and export markets. These cost impacts will ultimately be felt by consumers and communities in the months and years ahead.”
“Unfortunately, the cuts to the fuel excise that have been made have not been beneficial to farmers due to most of their diesel consumption being off-road and the National Reconstruction Fund does not include farming enterprises in their eligibility requirements.”
“Farming enterprises need clear, reliable communication on the supply and demand situation of fuel and fertiliser, to assist in making critical business decisions during uncertain times and targeted support so that they can continue operations,” Ms Sheppard said.
Business Chamber Queensland CEO Heidi Cooper said data from businesses across Queensland is deeply concerning as the fuel crisis continues to hit businesses hard and impact already declining business confidence.
More than 72 percent of Queensland businesses are experiencing double-digit price rises from suppliers, almost half are reducing operating hours and 42 percent are passing on some portion of costs to consumers.
Almost 9 in 10 (88%) are expecting mental health impacts on business owners and workers due to the economic strains imposed by war in the Middle East.
"Ongoing impacts from the crisis are compounding pressure on an already stretched and stressed business community,” Ms Cooper said.
“Across every industry and region in Queensland, businesses are operating in an environment of cost increases, regulatory complexity and persistent workforce challenges.”
“Add to this the rising cost of goods and the resulting mental health impacts on owners and workforces.”
Regional chambers and businesses affected by floods this monsoon season report the impact of rising supplier costs could not come at a worse time. While some have been able to reschedule deliveries to consolidate time and cost, more businesses will need to pass costs on to customers or face ongoing losses.
"Businesses, particularly SMEs, can’t keep taking these hits,” Ms Cooper said.
“Queensland businesses are incredibly resilient and will adapt, but they want targeted support, particularly cash flow measures, which will make the difference between riding out this crisis or scaling back.”
“Without targeted support, we risk further impacts, including business closures.”
Alongside QFF and QTIC, Business Chamber Queensland is calling for governments to work closely with the business community to support continuity in the face of repeated financial shocks.
QTIC are also reporting alarming statistics across the state’s tourism industry, with CEO Natassia Wheeler stating revenue declines of 30 percent or more are being seen across parts of Queensland.
“Tourism remains one of Queensland’s most significant economic pillars, generating more than $43 billion in visitor expenditure and supporting over 277,000 jobs,” Ms Wheeler said.
“Independent economic analysis shows the cost of inaction would significantly outweigh the cost of intervention. Even a small wave of business closures could result in up to $943 million in lost economic activity, nearly 7,000 jobs and more than $75 million in lost government revenue.”
SMEs are the backbone of the economy and integral to communities across the State. QFF, QTIC and Business Chamber Queensland urge the Federal Government to deliver targeted support for SMEs to help them to keep operating and to reduce the long-term financial impacts of the current fuel and input crisis. It is critical that government works with industry to keep SMEs operating.
-ENDS-
Media contacts:
Jak Kirwin
General Manager, Marketing and Communications, QFF
E: comms@qff.org.au
M: 0488 305 106
Cat Riddle
Communications Manager, Queensland Tourism Industry Council
E: cat.riddle@qtic.com.au
M: 0414 755 313
Gabi Leverett
Communications and Media Officer
E: media@businesschamberqld.com.au
P: 0499 988 218