'They have to pass health tests and character tests'
Without prejudice
The cultural background and values of a person seeking residence in Australia is not factored into our immigration process. There are some cultures in the world that engage in practices such as female genital mutilation, polygamy, patriarchal societies and cultures that believe woman should not be seen unrobed in public. However our non-discriminatory immigration system does not place judgement on the appropriateness of these cultures. Michael Smith finds out more with Associate Professor Jennifer Burn.
The torture debate
When federal opposition minister Michael Johnson publically condoned torture, he was forced into an embarrassing verbal back flip. Debate has sparked on talkback over its legitimacy in western society. Michael Smith discusses the ethics of torture with Professor Donald Rothwell.
New allegations of bribery
Disgraced former minister Gordon Nuttall may face ten new charges of corruption if allegations of bribery are upheld. Senior reporter of the Australian Newspaper, Michael McKenna, examines the latest evidence with Michael Smith.
Harold Mitchell... Living large
Harold Mitchell is undoubtedly a great Australian. Harold stood at the brink of losing everything when he received a phone call from the late Kerry Packer. He shares his remarkable story of success with Michael Smith.
The Director of Fun
Sam Pointon is an ambitious six-year-old. The English schoolboy and train enthusiast replied to a job ad for the leading role at the National Railway Museum. Michael Smith catches up with the newly appointed 'Director of Fun'.
'Delusional and Psychotic'
Dr Jonathon Phillips was utterly shocked with the mental state of the woman in the cell with him. The eminent psychiatrist recently met with a delusional and psychotic Schapelle Corby in Bali. He talks of a 'child-like' Corby with Michael Smith.
Australia has the "F" Factor
Australia has the "F" Factor, we have always had it, now we are inviting you to experience it!If it is Fun you are after, we have something for you, from fast paced thrills to relaxing on the beach, there is something Fun for all to do. See more here.
Schools out
Southbank businesses have shut their doors to loitering students during school hours in a bid to decrease truancy. The increasing number of youth in the area has attracted police attention. District Inspector Chris Sang describes the problem to Michael Smith.
Remembering the tragedy
Peter Hughes stumbled out of Paddy's nightclub his face swollen and blistered. It was the moments after the Bali Bombing where Peter Hughes became the face of Australian courage. The Western Australian informs Michael Smith about his battle.
New Taxes
Ken Henry runs the Treasury.
Wayne Swan and the Prime Minister have asked him to review Australia’s tax system. Some of the proposals Mr Henry’s review has come up with ...
Electricity Bills
The era of cheap electricity in Queensland is over.
The Premier announced the end of it today.
Attorney General
Michael Smith talks with attorney general Cameron Dick in response to the LNP's push to repeal lying laws.
Police dog stabbed, woman shot
Michael Smith talks with President of the Queensland Police Union, Ian Leavers, after a woman was shot on Brisbane's Southside, after she lunged at police with a knife and stabbed a police dog.
The Les Paul legacy
Les Paul was a musical pioneer, his footprint in the rock and roll landscape will forever be remembered. The father of the electric guitar passed away at the age of 94. Music guru Paul Cashmere joins Michael Smith to discuss Les' legacy.
Growing too rapidly?
Is rising population short-changing our standard of living, by accepting too many migrants? Michael Smith talks with Kelvin Thomson MP, who is calling for the number of migrants accepted into Australia be slashed, to reduce our carbon emissions. Thompson says the global population is growing too rapidly, and needs to be stabilised, to prevent food shortages and climate change.
Organised crime
Drugs, gangs, money and property. Michael Smith talks with chair of the committee and labor senator, Steve Hutchins, about how to hurt organised crime the most by removing their assets, by going after their money.
Our Royal Flying Doctors
Smith blog - I’d like to talk about an Australian icon. One of our own. The Royal Flying Doctor Service. It was started by the Reverend Flynn in 1928. Sir Robert Menzies said the RFDS was the "greatest single contribution to the effective settlement of the far distant back country that we have witnessed in our time..."
You've been warned
The grotesque health warning featured on cigarette packets will now be making its way to your local bottle shop. The Distilled Spirits Industry Council have taken the voluntary step to label all products with a health warning. Spokesperson Stephen Riden joins Michael Smith to explain why.
Grocery prices to rise
An estimated 5 to 7 percent increase to grocery prices will occur under the federal governments emissions trading tax plan undoubtedly putting more pressure on working families and directly threaten retail jobs. Michael Smith talks with Scott Driscoll, Retailers Associations about the price hike.
Last minute justice
Beyond Blue Chairman Jeff Kennett has won a last-minute court injunction against 60 Minutes, over their plans to air a story regarding teenage suicide. The former Victorian Premier joins Michael Smith to discuss his successful case.
Charge the truckies
If Professor Harry Clarke had his way truck drivers would have to 'pay up' for the damage their vehicle is doing to the roads. The economics Professor joins Michael Smith to discuss his commissioned road proposal.
China's aggressive diplomacy
The Chinese government have failed in an attempt to flex their diplomatic muscle on our shores. The Federal Government rejected a request from Beijing to ban an exiled Muslim leader from attending the National Press Club meeting in Canberra. Political Editor, Peter Hartcher warns Michael Smith of the changing face of China.
Not a chance
Barnaby Joyce believes that any Emissions Trading Scheme will put the nation over the proverbial barrel. The Queensland Senator joins Michael Smith to dispute claims that he will vote for the Liberal amended ETS proposal.
Tedious bureaucratic doublespeak
Don Watson is fed up with innocuous statements. The speech writer for former Prime Minister Paul Keating is concerned about the modern trend towards tedious bureaucratic doublespeak. He joins Michael Smith to discuss the decay of our language.
Old fashioned justice
In the 1980's 'The Skull' was revered as being one of the hardest, straightest and least corruptible men in the force. Brian Murphy spent 30 years in a blue uniform with an old-school attitude to catching criminals. He reminisces on the good old days with Michael Smith.
Time for protection
Michael McLean's identical brother Chris died just two weeks ago when he hit his head during a Rugby Union match... he was not wearing headgear. He joins Michael Smith to discuss his campaign for the compulsory use of headgear for all players.
Misleading and incorrect
A terror plot focused on the Holsworthy Army base in western Sydney has brought into question the safety of our army barracks. Neil James from the Australian Defence Association is adamant these claims are misleading. He explains why to Michael Smith.
'What were you thinking JP?'
John-Paul Langbroek has presented the State Government with some much needed breathing room and a break from the ongoing headlines. The leader of the Opposition joins Michael Smith to defend his alleged approval of a controversial billboard.
Missing Persons Week
You cannot begin to imagine the pain of not knowing where a loved one is. In Queensland, an average of 4,500 people are reported missing each year. Michael Smith chats to Detective Senior Sergeant Damien Powell about missing persons week.
Ipswich Inc
According to Glenn Milne it's time we took a look at the Labor mates who make up 'Ipswich Inc'. The Political Editor of the Sunday Mail joins Michael Smith to discuss the businesses whose political donations have been called into question.
Controlling the sprawl
The sheer numbers are staggering... 93 homes each and every day for the next 20 years. This is the State Government’s blueprint to deal with the expected population boom in the great South-East. Michael Smith asks the Lord Mayor, Campbell Newman, are we prepared?
NAB withdraws 'frustrating' fees
The National Australia Bank have announced a groundbreaking new policy, they will abolish the fees on overdrawn accounts from October. NAB executive Lisa Gray joins Michael Smith to outline the finer details of the changes.
Looking after Australia
The Australian Workers Union has one aim - to protect Australian businesses. So when Finance Minister Lindsay Tanner ruled out a 'Buy Australia' policy on cost... Paul Howes was outraged. The secretary of the AWU joins Michael Smith to describe the effect on Aussie workers.
