Michael Smith with the Leader of the Opposition
A frightening debt
According to the leader of the Opposition, Malcolm Turnbull, we should be concerned about the Rudd Government's big spend. Turnbull outlines his concerns about running up a national debt to Michael Smith.
'Silly quick fix proposal'
The Premier Anna Bligh has described a proposed competency based test for primary school teachers as a 'roadmap to better results'. However Steven Ryan, Queensland Teaching Union President, is insulted by the 'silly quick fix proposal'. Michael Smith asks why shouldn't we means test our educators.
The Mother of Mohammed
Author and journalist Sally Neighbour has written the remarkable story of Robyn Mary Hutchinson, a surfie chick who left Australia to join the jihad in North-West Pakistan. Michael Smith talks to the well-known reporter about Robyn's marriage to al-Qa'ida.
In the dark
The Shadow Defence Ministry say they have received no details on the future of the Australian Military. Shadow Defence Minister, Senator David Johnson, tells Michael Smith overseas governments were briefed on the details of the white paper before the Federal Opposition.
Nursing home disgrace
The mice plague in the Darling Downs has taken a horrifying twist, after an elderly war veteran was found on his nursing home bed covered in blood on Anzac Day. Member for Condamine, Ray Hopper, describes the gruesome attack to Michael Smith.
The economic pitfall
Senator Ian McDonald predicts the Emissions Trading Scheme will devastate the Australian economy. The Queensland Senator talks to Michael Smith about the economic pitfalls to the steel, coal and meat industries.
Keeping Australia strong
Smith Blog - Mike Pezzullo is a feisty and capable bureaucrat. So why did he brief the Chinese government about Australia's military plans before you and me?
Border protection
Michael Smith discusses the issue of Border Protection with Julie Bishop, Shadow Minister of Foreign Affairs.
Climate change control
Can humans affect climate change? Michael Smith talks with Greg Melleuish, Associate Professor in the School of History and Politics at the University of Wollongong to find out.
Breaking the work drought
‘Don’t lose hope’ is the message 35-year-old Raymond Walters is spreading, after breaking his 15 year dash of unemployment. He shares his story with Michael Smith.
$1 billion in interest – gone!
Michael Smith talks with the Chief Operating Officer of InfoChoice, Adam Rigby; who says Australians have dudded themselves out of more than a billion dollars of interest in six months.
Pirates strike again
Michael Smith talks with Dr Keith Suter, social policy and foreign affairs expert, about the cruise ship MSC Melody which came under attack by Somali pirates yesterday.
PJ O'Rourke
Veteran American political satirist and author PJ O'Rourke, joins Michael Smith on the Drive show.
Kleenmaids missing $27 million
Michael Smith talks with Ray Stevens, Shadow Minister for Fair Trading, who says he is shocked at the news that it is not possible for the office of fair trading to investigate the missing $27 million of Kleenmaid customers funds.
Operation Slipper
Michael Smith talks with Captain Mark Gilchrist, who is deployed in Afghanistan, about Operation Slipper and ANZAC day.
In the air with the RB-57G
Keith from Parkinson was involved with highly classified projects in the United States Air Force. He shares his memories of the job with Michael Smith.
A desperate addiction
Sue's son spent his stimulus package on smack. She tells Michael Smith the heartbreaking story of a bright son studying medicine to a man who has struggled with heroin for over a decade.
Taxes set to rise
Australians face a future of higher taxes according to the Shadow Treasurer. Joe Hockey says the spending patterns of the Rudd Government can only result in an increase for taxpayers. Michael Smith wants answers.
Delayed commemorations
The Federal Department for Immigration and Citizenship will be commemorating Anzac Day two days after the actual event. Michael Smith finds out why with department spokesperson, Sandy Logan.
Warren Snowdon
Minister for Defence Science and Personnel, Warren Snowdon, joins Michael Smith to discuss the concerns over the food Australian troops have been subjected to in Afghanistan, along with the discovery of the Canberra Bomber on the border of Vietnam and Laos.
Border protection
Caller Peter, who spent three years at sea with Border Protection, shares his experiences with Michael Smith.
A model fool
Perth authorities are investigating claims that a man flew a model aeroplane at a Virgin Blue plane. Michael Smith finds out the foolish act and its repercussions with Air Transport World editor, Geoffrey Thomas.
Ladies or ladettes?
Are modern Australian women losing their manners? Michael Smith asks the doyen of etiquette, June Dally-Watkins, are modern women inept when it comes to culture?
Motel bans entire town
Michael Smith talks with the Australian owner of the Supreme Motor Lodge in NZ, Steve Donnelly, about why he has banned an entire town from staying at his hotel.
M1 speedway
Drivers are regularly being clocked doing over 200km/h on Queensland roads such as the M1. Michael Smith talks with Superintendent Col Campbell to find out more.
Fraser Island fatal
Fraser Island speed limits and hire car rules will be reviewed after a double fatality at the weekend. Michael Smith talks with Ken Broughton, Member of the Fraser Island Association, to gauge his thoughts.
Kleenmaid administrator
Michael Smith talks with the Administrator of Kleenmaid, John Greig from Deloittes Australia, who shares the latest information.
Sentenced to life
A Queensland police constable has been commended after his pivotal role in the break down of an international child porn ring. Brenden Power's testimony put five US ringleaders behind bars for life. Michael Smith finds out more with Inspector John Rouse.
Sensitive records
Queensland is the only state in Australia which has no protection for the counselling records of a sexual violence victim. Di McLeod, Director of the Gold Coast Centre Against Sexual Violence, says this just isn't good enough. Michael Smith finds out more.
Senator George Brandis
Michael Smith talks with Senator George Brandis, about the United Nations Durban Review Conference and whether Australia should participate.
Lies! Lies! Lies!
How many lies and pledges have you heard over the years? Michael Smith delves into some of the biggest lies of all time, with body language expert Allan Pease.
Surge of smugglers
The Opposition immigration spokeswoman claims the Federal Government is putting a 'squeeze' on our border security funding and it's causing a surge of people smuggling. Michael Smith asks Sharman Stone is the 'open' sign showing?
Crocodile safaris
The Northern Territory Government has proposed allowing crocodile hunting under a newly drafted management plan. Michael Smith talks to crocodile researcher Graham Webb about the economic value of crocodile safaris.
The spy who lied...
Karen Roberts believed she had met the man of her dreams in Wayne David Charters. Mr Charters led the single mother to believe he was a secret agent living a double life. Michael Smith talks to deputy editor of The Sunday Age, Andrew Rule, about how a lie cost her thousands.
Discrimination
I think Australia is capable of running itself without too much help from the United Nations thank you very much.
Remember our soldiers
A listener’s tribute to our armed forces in Iraq and Afghanistan, and those who have gone before...
Trapped inside hell
Garrick Harvison spent 42 hours trapped inside his hotel room with his bed barricaded against the door. The wine company executive was in Mumbai's Oberoi Hotel, during the terrorist attacks last November. Michael Smith finds out about his terrifying ordeal with Foreign Correspondent reporter Trevor Bormann.
Commission review
The Federal Government has called for a review of the powers Royal Commissions wield. University of Sunshine Coast academic, Dr Scott Prasser, will take part in the legal review. He joins Michael Smith to discuss the need for an enhancement of their powers.
Ipswich robbery
Queensland Police are extremely concerned about a robbery in Ipswich. The offenders stole two industrial pill presses, with the capacity to make Illicit drugs in bulk. Michael Smith talks to Detective Senior Sergeant Mick Trezise about the robbery.
Tough to swallow
According to Australia's most preeminent geologist we are being fed lies when it comes to global warming. Michael Smith finds out why Professor Ian Plimer has taken such a defiant stance with Brisbane Times columnist Paul Sheehan.
Elephant in the room
Sporting guru Roy Masters says we should be concerned about the influx of Polynesian players in school rugby league teams. Michael Smith finds out about the elephant in the locker room with the former first grade coach.
Sticks and stones
Claims of bullying and harassment are becoming more commonplace in the modern workplace. Michael Smith investigates the seriousness of the claims with Psychologist Moria Jenkins.
Union provided credit card
Michael Smith talks with George Brandis, shadow attorney-general, about the alleged misuse of a union provided credit card by a Labor caucus member.
Happiness of the nation
Michael Smith talks with Professor Bob Cummins, author of the Australian Unity Wellbeing Index, about the happiness of the Nation.
Banning Bibles
Michael Smith talks with the Shadow Health Minister, Peter Dutton, who is calling on the State Government to guarantee there will be no ban on cruxifixes and bibles in QLD hospitals.
GFC sucks!
James Hossack is the creator of www.gfcsucks.com. He talks with Michael Smith about the term 'Global Financial Crisis' being the root of most of our financial problems.
City of the world
Michael Smith talks with John Aitken from Brisbane Marketing, about the new Brisbane campaign ‘Australia’s City of the World’.
Swept away
Rock fishing is renowned for being a dangerous business and stories like Joe McArdle's are a clear reminder. Michael Smith talks to Joe about the day he thought his life was over.
Sam's saviour
The face of the Victorian bushfire tragedy, David Tree, joins Michael Smith live in the studio to discuss how his life has changed since that renowned photograph.
Where have our standards gone?
Smith Blog - The Queensland courts have let us down again. Take a look at the case of Dwane Daniel Morgan.
The recession premonition
Peter Schiff accurately predicted a major recession back in 2006, but who was listening? Take a look at the youtube clip.
The super trap
Ian Verrender warns we should be wary of the big business which is superannuation. Michael Smith talks to the Sydney Morning Herald business commentator about the risks of investing in super.
General Jim Molan
Michael Smith talks to General Jim Molan about the security concerns in Pakistan and Afghanistan and how it will affect Aussie diggers.
A fair wage
Michael Smith talks to business commentator, Stephen Mayne, about a reasonable remuneration for big time executives in this economic climate.
Dog-gone luck
Michael Smith finds out a true story of survival about a cattle dog who survived on St Bees Island by eating goats. "Sophie" the cattle dog's owner Jan Griffith explains the story.
Saving Abbie
Debbie Smith was driving the school bus one afternoon when she was called upon to save the life of young Abbie. Michael Smith talks to Debbie about her life saving act.
Housing target
Minister for Public Works, Robert Schwarten, promises the Easter deadline for the nurse housing upgrades will be met. Michael Smith catches up with the newly minted minister.
