'Ultimately it will come down to dollars' Paul Lucas
Kevin's health injection
The Rudd Government have broken an election promise to 'end the blame game' for a woeful healthcare system. In the lead up to the last election, Kevin Rudd promised to seek a Commonwealth takeover for the public hospital system, a promise which has been rescheduled. Michael Smith talks to Queensland’s Minister for Health, Paul Lucas, about the damning report into the poor state of healthcare.
A disheartening forecast
The Prime Minister has painted a grim picture of the short-term future for Australians. In an essay for the Fairfax Press, Kevin Rudd warned we should 'brace for high unemployment, rising interest rates, severe budget cuts'. Business Commentator Terry McCrann sheds some light on this dark evaluation with Michael Smith.
Digger Delivery
Ever wanted to send a small package to an Australian digger in Afghanistan? Well so long as it's under 2kg you can do it for free. Click on the picture to find out more.
A worrying oversight
A corroded axle may have caused a catastrophic accident at Melbourne Airport, when a Virgin Blue aircraft prepared for a takeoff without a nosewheel. Michael Smith finds out about the frightening oversight with Steve Purvinas from the Aircraft Engineers Association.
Divided they fall
Liberal Minister Tony Abbott has sent further tremors through the Coalition party room over the Emissions Trading, announcing the scheme should be passed or risk facing a double dissolution election. Michael Smith attempts to unravel the confusion with Senator Barnaby Joyce.
Abu Bakar Bashir
Is this the face of evil or just a ‘crazy old man’? The fanatical Muslim cleric has endorsed the recent Jakarta bombings as the work of god. Michael Smith finds out more with Indonesian based Fairfax reporter, Justin Hale.
A harmful preference
The Federal Government remains steadfast in its opposition of the 'Buy Australia policy', after another union push for local trade preferences. Finance Minister Lindsay Tanner outlines the various problems of protectionist policies with Michael Smith.
Back-door residency
Every year thousands of overseas students are being lured to Australia on the false promise of permanent residency. According to Dr Bob Birrell from Monash University, the student revenue bubble is about to burst. Michael Smith investigates.
One ten-thousandth of a degree
If Australia went ahead with the proposed climate change reductions, it would change less than one ten-thousandth of a degree, an unmeasurable change. Michael Smith finds out about the politics of climate change with Geologist Bob Clarter.
Overhaul or smokescreens?
Transport Minister Rachel Nolan has announced a major overhaul of the Queensland taxi industry. Lee Sims from the Drivers Association is concerned that the minister has offered nothing more than a smokescreen. He presents his case to Michael Smith.
Blood test? cough up!
Customers will have to pay up when they head to their local GP for a blood test. The growth in modern medicine has put pressure on pathologists to cut bulk-billing services. Michael Smith finds out more with pathologist Dr Michael Harrison.
Steaming up the Hudson
Two Australian warships have sailed past the Statue of Liberty and down the Hudson River to commemorate the centenary of the "Great White Fleet's" visit to Australia. Michael Smith finds out about the great naval venture with Rear Admiral Nigel Coates.
The war of words
The leaders of the Western world are struggling to articulate the ongoing war with terrorism. Long gone are the ‘axis of evil’ catchphrases of the past. Foreign Affairs expert Greg Sheridan explains the tactical rethink to Michael Smith.
A fast-tracked remedy
John-Paul Langbroek claims the unpopular fuel tax could be scrapped within four years of an LNP run State Government. The Opposition Leader joins Michael Smith to outline a fast-tracked remedy to government spending.
Can you really afford it?
If you lost your job tomorrow, how long could you afford to live off your savings? A survey has revealed that more than half of all middle-income earners in the Nation could only survive for a month. Christine Christian, CEO of Dun and Bradstreet, shares the details of the findings with Gary Hardgrave.
Surviving a holdup
Workplace Health and Safety officer and former detective Ross Timms has the busy job of training bar and gaming workers what to do in the event of a hold up. He explains the details to Gary Hardgrave.
Who are you?
Imagine being told you officially no longer exist. This is what happened to Adelaide schoolteacher of 20 years, Ginetta Rossi, when she went to renew her teachers registration. Identities of over 124,000 Australians are stolen each year and Ginetta explains how hers was stolen to Gary Hardgrave.
Powerless against China
Foreign Affairs Editor Keith Suter talks to Gary Hardgrave in regards to how our foreign debt can hamper a healthy relationship with places like China, leaving us powerless.
Waterfront assets for sale
Don Jones, General Manager of Marine Queensland explains to Gary Hardgrave his concerns in regards to the Government sell-off of the Port of Brisbane.
Grave concerns for Beijing diplomacy
The absurd charges against the Australian executive detained in Shanghai are nothing more than an intimidating political statement. This is the expert opinion of Foreign Affairs Analyst Greg Sheridan. He informs Michael Smith about the grave oversights of Chinese diplomacy.
Performance-based governing
A Sydney based consortium have proposed an out-of-the-box solution to minimise political pork-barrelling – dock the pays of the politicians responsible. Michael Smith catches up with Research Fellow Stephen Kirchner to find out more.
The hairy truth of it
In the late in 1980s the school nurse was banished from the classroom. So is it any surprise many Queensland classrooms are riddled with head lice? Michael Smith talks with former Principle Michael about the worrying trends of school health.
Author's burden of proof
David Everett was once Australia's most-wanted criminal. After spending ten years in the clink, he co-wrote the book 'Shadow Warrior' with author Kingsley Flett. So when the crime author had his assets frozen, it raised far wider-reaching questions. Underbelly author, Andrew Ruhle, joins Michael Smith to describe what he claims to be an ‘inherently unfair’ application of the law.
Detained without charge
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has confirmed that Australian citizen, Stern Hu, is one of four Rio Tinto employees who has been detained in Shanghai. Queensland Senator, Barnaby Joyce, joins Michael Smith to explain what actions the Australian authorities can carry out.
Agriculture land sell off
Shadow Minister for Primary Industries Ray Hopper talks with Michael Smith in regards to his concerns that Government may sell off Agricultural College land. Mr Hopper says if the land is sold, it would be very hard to replace.
Red Tape Busters
Michael Smith talks with the Managing Director of ‘Red Tape Busters’. A service which offers Australians help with navigating through the ‘bureaucratic red tape maze’ of life.
25% pay cut in engineers
After receiving an email from a listener in regards to Main Roads Engineers receiving a 25% pay cut; Michael Smith speaks with the departments Director General, David Stewart, to find out more.
Road safety program scrapped
The well regarded Road Safety Initiative Program which allowed police to log overtime hours to patrol our roads has been scrapped. However Neil Roberts, Minister for Police, says the program has been ‘superseded and enhanced’ with a new one; which he explains to Micheal Smith.
Melanoma breakthrough
An important discovery has been made at the Queensland Institute of Medical Research in regards to specific changes in two genes, which increased a persons susceptibility to developing moles and melanoma. Michael Smith finds out more with Professor Nick Haywood.
Terry White Chemists
The Terry White Chemist franchise, up until today owned by Symbion Pharmacy Services, has been bought back by the man who set it up over 15 years ago. Terry White, Australia’s best known pharmacist, explains to Michael Smith why he and a group of pharmacists bought it back.
Desal debacle
Rust and corrosion are just some of the 16 issues to be resolved at the Gold Coast Desalination Plant before handover takes place. Minister Stirling Hinchliffe explains the latest to Michael Smith.
Former pollies travel free
Since 2001, we have paid for over 20,000 flights for former MPs; worth over $8.3 million. Leader of the Greens Bob Brown explains to Michael Smith how this ‘perk’ can be cleaned up.
‘Running on thin air’
News Limited Business Commentator Terry McCrann speaks with Michael Smith about our current economic situation and whether we can ‘manage the fall’ when the money runs dry.
'Frustrating' wait for freight solution
Over the next 20 years the demands of freighted transport in Queensland is expected to double. So why are the Queensland Government still debating rail plans from 2007? Transport Minister Rachel Nolan joins Michael Smith to explain the delay.
The Stock Market windfall
Stephen Mayne is making lemonade from an economic lemon. The editor of The Mayne Report joins Michael Smith to explain how he has capitalised from the troublesome stock market.
Lost dog returns after 8 years
“Fatty” the English Staffy who ran away over eight years ago, has finally been found over 670 kilometres away from home. Owner John Jahshan shares this amazing story with Michael Smith.
Gabba superbug?
Authorities are on the search for a superbug that has hit two Brisbane Lions staff including assistant coach Craig Brittain. But as CEO of the Lions Michael Bowers explains to Michael Smith, he is not impressed that medical authorities have rushed to point the finger at the club.
