Make no mistake: this is the start of a two class system
The Taxi Industry
Smith Blog - You have to wonder why your taxi fare includes a return on investment for a $400,000 taxi plate licence. What for? The poor old taxi driver, at the bottom of the heap, gets half the meter fare minus GST.
Rego on the rise
The hip pocket is set to take another hit with car registrations here in Queensland expected to rise up to 22%. Gary Fites from the RACQ explains the price hike to Michel Smith.
Caltex's $300m bid
Michael Smith talks to the CEO of Caltex Australia, Des King, who explains the thinking behind Caltex spending $300 million to buy the Mobil branded service stations.
Good news for job seekers
Despite the global recession, a survey has uncovered that 49% of employers within Australia are struggling to find qualified job candidates. Michael Smith discusses this further with the managing director of Manpower Australia, Lincoln Crawley.
Will Caltex take over Mobil?
The proposal today that Caltex take over Mobil, may spell the end of competition in the fuel industry. Michael Smith talks with Associate Professor Frank Zumbo, who is calling for the ACCC to step in and make the right decision.
Swine flu update
Michael Smith talks with the State Health Minister Paul Lucas, about Queensland’s reaction to the Swine Flu and what procedures are in place to cope with the virus.
The Chaser is back!
ABCTV welcomes the return of The Chaser’s War on Everything tonight and Michael Smith caught up with Julian Morrow from the team to find out what we can expect in 2009.
Climate Change
Smith Blog - Thank goodness common sense is starting to prevail with this nonsense that Kevin Rudd, Penny Wong, Al Gore and others spout about humans beings adjusting the earth’s temperature.
Broadband price fall
9,000km undersea lays a brand new fibre-optic cable which links Australia to the world; bringing with it the hope of cheaper broadband access. Michael Smith talks with Bevan Slattery, Managing Director and Co-Founder of Pipe Networks to find out more.
Animal Liberation: Save our roos
Angie Stephenson from Animal Liberation NSW speaks with Michael Smith about her push to expose the ‘dirty industry’ of roo meat exports from Australia.
An Australian first
Michael Smith talks with Peter Farris QC, about legalities which surround the two Melbourne men who have become the first Australian gay couple to have a baby via a surrogate mother.
AC/DC tickets hit eBay
Promoter for AC/DC Garry Van Egmond, explains to Michael Smith how they have no power to stop people selling tickets to the concert on eBay for exorbitant prices.
Senator to the rescue
A female power walker has a federal politician to thank for chasing off a sexual predator. Senator Nigel Scullion leapt from his cab when he saw the traumatised young lady. The Northern Territory Senator describes the shocking assault to Michael Smith.
Bank Fees: a real eye opener
A torch has been shone in to the deep dark corners of our bank-vaults to uncover how much our major banks pocket each year in fees. Christopher Zinn from Choice unveils the full details to Michael Smith.
Cut the crime
The Gold Coast crime prevention unit are offering Business Security Audits to encourage people to become more security conscious. Senior Constable Chris Lynch explains to Michael Smith how the audit works.
Internationals slip through loophole
Noel is a professional driver trainer, he explains to Michael Smith how he observed that international drivers are receiving their Australian licences without adequate training.
Centre for healthcare improvement
$102 million a year and 230 full time staff are working away at the Centre for Healthcare Improvement in Queensland - but what is this centre for? Michael Smith talks with AMA Queensland President Dr Chris Davidson and the Acting CEO for the centre, Dr Matrin Kamp, to find out.
Kleenmaid: $100 million owed
Michael Smith talks with Administrator John Greig, about the bleak outlook for Kleenmaid customers and what will happen if it is proven that the directors have been trading insolvent.
Ban panadol from supermarkets
Carmel’s daughter, who suffers from mental health issues, recently walked in to her local supermarket, purchased multiple packets of panadol and proceeded to take them. She explains to Michael Smith the outcome and why panadol should be banned from supermarkets. Dr Leisa Nissen, President, QLD Branch of the Pharmaceutical Society weighs in on the conversation.
Youth Beyond Blue
BeyondBlue, the national depression initiative, has launched a series of advertisements to raise awareness of the signs and symptoms of depression among young people. Chairman, Jeff Kennett, explains to Michael Smith how BeyondBlue came about and where people can seek more information.
Contamination protection
Three hundred thousand litres of contaminated water has been pumped into Brisbane homes, however those affected by the fluoride bungle will have no case for compensation. Michael Smith talks to compensation lawyer, Mark O'Connor, about section 94 of the Water Fluoridation Act.
Benowa robbery
Police are investigating the links between a robbery at Benowa Tavern on Thursday night and a number of similar cases on the Gold Cost. Michael Smith talks to Acting Superintendent, Des Lacy, about the spate of shocking armed robberies in recent days.
Telstra: restoring the brand
Michael Smith talks with Australian Journalist, Simon Canning, about the bumpy last few years Telstra has experienced and the road to recovery.
Police call for a super solution
Michael Smith talks with Ian Leavers from the Queensland Police Union, who explains the concern police face not being able to access there super until the age of 67, when they are required to retire from the force at 60.
Three billion dollar facelift
The building process The RNA showgrounds will undertake a $3 billion redevelopment in an effort to reinvigorate the Brisbane EKKA. Michael Smith talks to RNA Chief Executive, Jonathon Tunney, about the significant revamp to the Bowen Hills site.
The resource gamble
One sector which have not benefited from federal boost to infrastructure is mining. There have been no provisions in the new budget to ease the strain on resource exports. Michael Roche from the Queensland Resource Council informs Michael Smith about the governments gamble on the strength of resources.
Superannuation Changes
One of the big changes in the budget last night was the advice that people born after 1 January, 1957 will have to wait until they are 67 to receive the pension.
15 year old bashed
‘Get your coffin ready’ was the threat made to 15 year old Tess Stirling yesterday afternoon, while she was beaten by three teenage girls. She explains to Michael Smith how the incident was also captured on a mobile camera phone. Des Lacy from Gold Coast District Police says they are investigating the incident.
Eradicating the rats
Michael Smith speaks with the MP for Condamine Ray Hopper, who brought to our attention a few weeks ago the 86 year old digger who was chewed by rats. Ray explains how the media played a big part in resolving the rat issue.
Hospitality award shakeup
Michael Smith talks with Jim Berardo from Noosa, who explains his concerns the new Federal Government awards will have on restaurants and workers.
Climate Change Bandwagon
Smith Blog: When you sponsor a child with World Vision would you rather your money went on food, clothes and shelter...
Pork on your fork
Michael Smith talks with the CEO of the Australian Pork Industry, Andrew Spencer, who explains the Swine Flu has pushed sales down – even though you can not catch the disease from Australian pork.
Budget assurance
With the federal budget on the near horizon, National Seniors CEO Michael O'Neill wants assurance that in the current economic climate our aging population will be looked after. Michael Smith talks to the Chief Executive about the importance of a increased pension.
Police at 'wits end'
The Queensland Police Union specifically instruct their officers not to pursue a fleeing criminal in a speeding car. Ian Leavers explains to Michael Smith how the current legislation puts police officers feel they have been 'handcuffed' from carrying out justice.
Taxi troubles?
Michael Smith delves into the controversial Brisbane Taxi discussion with Transport Minister Rachel Nolan.
Fuel: On the rise again?
Michael Smith talks with RACQ advocacy manager Lynda Schekoske about the possible reintroduction of fuel excise indexation.
Best job ever
Ben Southall has scored the best job in the world, literally! The Tourism Queensland campaign winner was announced yesterday afternoon and he spoke with Michael Smith to share the excitement.
Feeder gangs
Sydney’s Middle Eastern youth gangs have become recruitment grounds for outlaw bikie gangs according to senior police sources. Daily Telegraph reporter, Janet Fyfe-Yeomans, talks to Michael Smith about the emergence of ‘feeder’ gangs.
Holden fragility
Motoring expert Clive Matthew-Wilson believes it's not a far stretch of the imagination that China could take over Holden. The Editor of the Dog and Lemon Guide describes the 'disastrous ramifications' of a Chinese takeover to Michael Smith.
Assault at Nathan
Police have released a comfit of a man who may be able to assist with inquiries in relation to the assault of a woman at Nathan last night.
War remains recovery
Work to recover the remains of up to 400 soldiers has begun in France. Michael Smith talks with Minister for Defence Warren Snowdon to find out more. For more information about the project call 1800 019 090.
Financial pressure
Michael Smith talks with finance expert, Terry McCrann, about the pressure on our budget and the future ahead.
Gender identity dysphoria
A teenage girl has been granted permission by the Family Court to have her breasts removed. The 17-year-old, who has been on hormone treatment for the last four years, sought the approval so she could look more like a man. Michael Smith talks with ethicist Nick Tonti-Filippini to find out more.
Top advertising campaign
Listen to Michael Smith with Rob Belgiovane from Belgiovane Williams Mackay advertising agency, who describes Queensland’s “World’s best job” as ‘The most successful campaign in the world’.
