Why Anthony Albanese Was Chased by Angry Farmers on Tractors in Ballarat

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan faced fiery protests at the annual Bush Summit in Ballarat, where angry farmers and firefighters rallied against controversial electricity transmission projects and Victoria’s emergency services levy.

Footage showed the Prime Minister’s motorcade being pursued by tractors, while Premier Allan’s exit was blocked by tractors and Country Fire Authority (CFA) fire trucks, leaving her unable to leave the venue.

The protesters’ anger was largely focused on the Western Renewables Link — a high-voltage power line project connecting wind farms in western Victoria to Melbourne’s grid. Farmers argue the project threatens prime farmland and lacks fair consultation.

“Money’s not the issue. This land is our castle,” said local farmer Will Elsworth, comparing the fight to the classic Australian film The Castle.

Albanese admitted governments had “failed to consult communities properly”, while Allan acknowledged compensation and engagement had not been sufficient. The Victorian government has since pledged to pay farmers $8,000 annually per kilometre of transmission infrastructure for 25 years, but protesters insist the issue goes beyond money.

Tensions have also flared over the Emergency Services and Volunteers Levy, which regional councils say unfairly burdens farmers and rural landowners. Firefighters joined the protest, calling the levy a disproportionate tax on struggling communities.

Despite polls showing majority support for renewable energy projects in rural areas, opposition in Ballarat highlights “growing discontent that urgently needs to be addressed”, according to energy advocates.