'The DPP didn't take into consideration our wishes at all'
The unjust system
When Gabe Watson was sentenced to just 11 months behind bars for the manslaughter of his newlywed wife, her father Tommy Thomas was lost for words. Mr Thomas says prosecutors struck up a deal without his family's consent. Following the light sentence the United States Attorney General’s office told the family they had made a mistake trialling the case in Australia. He describes the failings of an unjust system to Michael Smith.
Green light for GM crops
The debate is over... genetically modified food will hit supermarket shelves in 2015. Former chief scientist of Australia, Dr Jim Peacock, claims Australian farmers will reap the rewards from GM crops. However Michael Smith wants to know is it 100 per cent safe?
Sleepover
Michael Smith editorial – A boy had a sleepover who fell of the top bunk, has been awarded almost $860,000 in damages. Does this change your view of permitting a sleepover.
Tech-anxiety fails students
Aidan McCarthy has some pretty controversial opinions on school learning. The technology expert explains to Michael Smith that schools who ban mobile phones or social networking sites from the classroom are failing to provide a 21st century education.
Found: Wallet from 1972
Terry got the surprise of his life when he received a call from the Central Army Records Office to tell him they had found the wallet he lost in the Army nearly 40 years ago. He shares the story of what he found inside the wallet with Michael Smith.
‘We welcome the report’
Minister for Main Roads Craig Wallace talks with Michael Smith about the Auditor Generals report on Transport and Roads. As you will hear, he and others ‘welcome the report’.
The seven point plan
Queensland MP Aiden McLindon has presented a ruthless seven point plan to State Parliament, providing a possible alternative to the current state governing practices. He shares his plan with Michael Smith.
Pilot buries passenger in sand
A pilot has dragged his semi-conscious passenger to shore and buried him in the sand to ward off hypothermia, after the helicopter they were flying crashed into crocodile infested waters. NRMA CareFlight director Ian Badham explains what happened to Michael Smith.
Wong's climate stumble
Climate Change Minister Penny Wong might think twice next time she responds to a frank discussion with Senator Steve Fielding. The Senator claims the Australian climate legislation is riddled with puzzling contradictions. Professor Bob Carter describes the Minister’s unsatisfactory response to Michael Smith.
Budget: John-Paul Langbroek
Leader of the Opposition, John-Paul Langbroek, has his say on the State Budget on the Drive show with Michael Smith.
Taser fired 28 times
Ian Stewart, Deputy Commissioner of Queensland Police speaks with Michael Smith, in regards to the case in Townsville where a man was tasered up to 28 times, then died minutes later.
'Des was more likely to traffic lamb'
The public shooting of Desmond 'Tuppence' Moran has raised fears that the Melbourne gangland wars could be reignited. Underbelly co-author John ‘Sly’ Sylvester joins Michael Smith to detail the reasons behind the brazen murder of another Moran.
Rockhampton siege
Acting president of the QLD Police Union Ian Leavers, talks to Rod Tiley about a siege which took place at Rockhampton today.
Banks out of control
Rod Tiley speaks with Independent Senator Nick Xenophon, who says the banks are out of control when it comes to penalty fees and rate rises.
Costello to retire from politics
Peter Costello announced that he will not contest the next election. Fairfax political reporter Alison Carrabine discussed the announcement with Rod Tiley.
Saving City Hall
Concrete cancer is over taking Brisbane’s City Hall - but with a repair bill at $200 million – where will the money come from? Deputy Mayor Graham Quirk speaks with Rod Tiley for the latest.
Buy Australian Policy
Rod Tiley talks with Andrew Dettmer from the AMWU about the move by the NSW Government to preference Australian businesses to help protect local jobs.
QLD taser death
Early this morning an armed Townsville man was tasered by police during an apprehension. Ten minutes later, the man stopped breathing and passed away. Acting President of the Queensland Police Union, Ian Leavers, explains the event to Michael Smith.
Servant super drop
Deputy Leader of the LNP Lawrence Springborg, expresses his concern to Michael Smith about the possible decrease in superannuation contributions to public servants.
The Carbon Cops
Jim Torr, Head of the Australian Federal Police Association, explains to Michael Smith how the AFP could become ‘Carbon Police’ if Minister Penny Wong has her way.
“The War Within”
Michael Smith talks to author, Don Tate, who shares his real life experiences from the book “The War Within”.
A 'dysfunctional' system
Queensland health has suffered a major body blow after a damning report exposed serious inadequacies with the system. Auditor-General Glen Poole has raised his concerns over current and future building programs. Health Minister Paul Lucas goes over the fine detail with Michael Smith.
The solar spin cycle
Greg Hunt claims Peter Garrett is a liar. The Opposition environmental spokesperson believes the public has been deliberately mislead after the Federal Government pulled the solar panel rebate. Mr Hunt outlines the fallout to Michael Smith.
Listener Wendy's story
Take a listen to caller Wendy who rang Michael Smith to explain why she is forced to live on just $220 a week.
‘Gutless bunch of fairies’
Michael Smith talks to Andrew Dettmer, State Secretary of the AMWU about the remark ‘a gutless bunch of fairies’, which was made by Lawrence Springborg in regards to unions. Mr Springborg called through to respond to Andrew Dettmer.
Solar rebate dissipates
Allan Windred from Solar Power National Sales talks to Michael Smith about the snap decision to end the Government solar power rebate applications from midnight. Environment Minister Peter Garrett explains the decision.
Breakout: David Tchappat
David Tchappat talks to Michael Smith about his new book “Breakout - How I escaped from the exclusive brethren”.
Classic car robbery
Kevin, the owner of a bright orange 1928 Ford Model A Tudor Hot Rod, speaks to Michael Smith about the loss his pride and joy which was stolen from Kirra Beach on Friday night. Phone Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 if you have any details.
Dual citizenship debate
Michael Smith talks with Foreign Affairs Editor Keith Suter, about the issues surrounding dual citizenships and Lebanese-Australians who are paid to travel home to vote.
'Shock and disbelief'
Gabe Watson allowed his wife to drown whilst scuba diving on the Great Barrier Reef . The family of Christina Watson were in a state of disbelief after Mr Watson was sentenced to just 12 months for her manslaughter. Michael Smith talks to Christina’s mother Cindy Thomas about the case being built to charge Watson with murder back in Alabama. Listen to this heart felt interview where Mr Watson leaves a chilling message to the victims family.
The Chaser and dead babies
Smith blog - It was like a knife in the heart. My little girl Lucy died at 5 months old and The Chaser routine brought it all back. The smell of the hospital. Holding her little body. Handing her over to the nurses and funeral directors. The funeral. Picking up her ashes. That’s the reality of what those wannabes were sending up. Read more here
Fitzgibbon stands down
Outgoing Minister Joel Fitzgibbon spent recent months ‘car-crashing’ his way through the defence portfolio. The SAS pay bungle, the undeclared gifts and now a conflict of interests ultimately led to the demise of the senior minister. Michael Smith finds out more with Fairfax bureau chief Alison Carrabine.
Finding that little joy
Sandy Brattstrom believes all children deserve a little joy in their lives. The CEO of the Make-A-Wish foundation joins Michael Smith to discuss the misconceptions of her charity and the countless wishes they have been able to make a reality.
'Shooting Balibo' - Blood shed in Timor
Tony Maniaty came under heavy shelling in Balibo, East Timor, when he was covering the 1975 war for the ABC. Five Australian journalists who ignored Tony’s warnings not to enter the border town were killed. He joins Michael Smith to describe the traumatic event.
"Betrayed" – Latifa Ali
Latifa Ali is an Iraqi born Australian, who was raped by her cousin when she was only 18. In Kurdish culture, this act incurs the death penalty for the victim, not the rapist. She shares her story with Michael Smith.
Around the globe in 90 days
David Clark set out on an adventure to cross the globe in 90 days. With one carry-on bag in hand and a determination not buy a thing – it ended up being the most carefree trip of his life. He shares his experience with Michael Smith.
Shock ads: China deal warning
Michael Smith talks to Aussie businessman, Ian Melrose, who has forked out $200,000 of his own money to produce TV adverts warning the Government not to let China take over local resources.
Queensland Treasurer Andrew Fraser
Queensland Treasurer Andrew Fraser explains the latest State Budget details to Michael Smith. Stephen Mayne from the Mayne Report follows to share his political analysis.
LNP Leader John-Paul Langbroek
LNP Leader John-Paul Langbroek and Professor John Quiggan from the University of Queensland talk with Michael Smith about the decision to sell off Queensland assets in an effort to cut State debt.
MP’s sweet super deal
While ordinary Australians take a cut to their superannuation stash, it’s been revealed a special clause will protect our politicians generous entitlements. Independent Senator Nick Xenophon, who will oppose the change, told Michael Smith how it snuck through.
Arrests over child rape video
The National Manager of High Tech Crime, Neil Gaughan, explains to Michael Smith that 16 Australians have been arrested during a global pedophile swoop and more can be expected in the coming weeks
The future of Holden
Clive Matthew-Wilson, editor of the ‘Dog and Lemon Guide’ explains to Michael Smith that the comments made by Industry Minister Kim Carr about the positive future of Holden, should be taken with a grain of salt.
MP exposes her expenses
Michael Smith talks to the Member for Gladstone, Liz Cunningham, who is the only Queensland MP to come forward and explain fully how she spends her electorate allowance.
Tour of duty
Michael Smith talks with 60 Minutes reporter, Liam Bartlett, who went to Afghanistan to experience first hand how our Australian troops are coping overseas.
