NBN report
Malcolm Turnbull, Shadow Minister for Communications and Broadband talks to Michael Smith about information on the NBN that the government have decided to release after being subjected to pressure. Malcolm Turnbull discusses the lack of vital information in the report and the fact it raises more questions than answers.
Lawyers - we need your help!
We're after a lawyer who'll take on an appeal - please listen! Ross from Rosedale contacted the police to report a break and enter had occurred at his house, everything went by the book until a police officer found a pair of 'novelty' handcuffs on the bedside table. Michael Smith talks to Ross and discovers he was eventually charged with being in possession of a prohibited item. Are you a lawyer? Can you help?
Love ecstasy? QUT needs you.
Attention illegal drug takers, Queensland researchers are recruiting ecstasy users to study their experiences, The Queensland University of Technology needs 50 ecstasy users aged over 18, Michael Smith cannot believe the studies motive, he speaks with lead researcher Dr Leanne Hides about the idea. Should drugs be endorsed? Do you agree with the study? Download the press release for more detail.
Teaching Muslim kids to hate
Michael Smith Drive show: We spoke yesterday about Saudi Arabia’s Wahhabists and their odious Islamic teachings in the United Kingdom. This promotional video from the BBC’s Panorama program gives you some insight into what they are up to.
Boom crash bang
Watch the video - The Gold Coast recently witnessed a Hollywood style car chase, that involved bullets, jet ski’s, cash and capture. We sent this onto the Taiwanese animation studio NMA. They have created the dramatic chase. Watch now.
Liquor offensive?
The Australian Liquor, Hospitality and Miscellaneous Union are to put in a request to change the name of the union due to the word liquor offending some people, notably Muslims. Michael Smith talks to Gary Bullock, Queensland State Secretary, about changing the name to 'United Voice'.
The Terrorist Handbook
Australian publication, Zoo Weekly, has compiled an article outlining how to be a terrorist, including locations of training camps and how to make a bomb. Michael Smith airs his concerns with Dr Carl Ungerer, Programmer of the National Security Program. Paul Merrill, the editor of Zoo Weekly also talks to Michael Smith defending the article. Have your comment.
What's the plan?
Malcolm Turnbull would like to know what the Federal Government has to hide. The Coalition and Greens are requesting the business plan for the National Broadband Network be made available before parliament comes to a close for the summer break. What’s impeding their request? Michael Smith finds out with the Shadow Minister for Communications and Broadband.
A Ray of light?
Ray Smith, Labor Lord Mayor Candidate, is revving up his campaign to hopefully gain Campbell Newman’s position. Michael Smith on 4BC Drive talks to Ray about his recent journey around Brisbane suburbs meeting with the people that he one day hopes to help if he gets the role.
Wat-er hide!
The recent hikes in water prices have incensed the Australian public, and further to this, one of the new water distributing companies, Allconnex, is already asking for an increase in their wages. Michael Smith speaks to Phil Pigeon, Councillor in Logan City Council about this debacle.
Union donates $1.12M to GetUp!
Activist group GetUp! have been labelled hypocritical after accepting a whopping $1.12 million donation from a union during the federal election. Michael Smith asks the organisation's Acting Director, Sam McLean, how they can keep their integrity whilst accepting these kinds of donations.
Management says "let it go"
As Queensland Health continue to pay its staff incorrectly. More claims of bullying and secrecy have surfaced, with a distressed nurse being told to ‘let it go’ and advised by management her experienced skill set would be highly desirable elsewhere. The nurse joins the Michael Smith Drive show to tell her story. View the letter. Listen and comment now.
Mayor on the cutting edge
4BC Drive talks with Ray Smith, CEO of Cutting Edge, about his nomination by Labour to be the future Brisbane Lord Mayor. Ray outlines the fact that he thinks that Brisbane's debt and financial wastage are the main areas where he'd like to make a difference. Listen now and have your say.
Poppy burnt
Michael Smith Blog: Take a look at this article printed in the British press showing the conflict between the British public and extremist Muslims who have blackened Remembrance Day with the burning of the symbolic poppy during a two minute silence. Have your comment.
Uranium sell-off
Julia Gillard is currently at the G20 summit and she has discussed an agreement to sell supplies of uranium to Russia. The question arises why we are not developing our energy infrastructure around a nuclear construct. Michael Smith asks Ziggy Switkowski, Chair, Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation, why.
Mal Brough
Mal Brough, Former Howard Minister, has applied for membership to the LNP looking to seek a federal seat in parliament. Before that seat is provided. he has to await a committee decision as to whether or not he will be admitted. Michael Smith asks Mal Brough about his feelings whilst he awaits the decision.
Climate insight
The Climate Change Minister, Kate Jones, has recently forecast an increase in flooding in Queensland due to a predicted two degree rise in temperature. Michael Smith talks to Prof Stewart W. Franks, Engineer-Hydrologist, about a deeper understanding of future climate change.
George Brandis
4BC Drives welcomes to the studio Shadow Attorney General, George Brandis. The interview centres around the subject of David Hicks, who has recently written a book outlining his time with terrorists. It was promised that he would not profit from any earnings from such a book, but it turns out that is not the case. Listen now.
Pending Deportation
Gabe Watson has been transferred to immigration detention after serving an 18-month prison term for the manslaughter of his wife Tina in 2003. The solicitor representing Watson, Adrian Braithwaite, believes his client deserves to be released into the community. He joins Michael Smith to lay out his client's case for temporary protection.
Premier Anna Bligh
Joining Michael Smith in the studio is Premier Anna Bligh to discuss some of the current concerns around Queensland, especially the slump in the local economy. Michael Smith brings two particular subjects to the fore - electricity and hospitals. Listen to Anna Bligh's reply now.
$25 million for emotional research
The Federal Government has granted almost $25 million to research the emotions and social wellbeing of those who lived through "mass emotional events". Want to write to the Minister to ask why?
Smoking banned in mall
Lord Mayor Campbell Newman has banned smoking in Brisbane's Queen Street Mall, after a council poll proved to be in favour of the ban. Michael Smith talks with local businessman and chairman from the Queens St advisory committee, Phillip Di Della about the ban.
The hard road to riches
Dean King is the first to admit he was a troublesome teenager. Locked up on a string of offences from the age of 12 Dean was headed down a dark path. He joins Michael Smith to discuss how he turned his life around to become a self-made millionaire.
Fast Eddie
If you've got no more than an hour to cook tonight, then Michael Smith has the perfect guest in the studio - Fast Eddie Halmagyi, chef from Better Homes and Gardens. He talks to 4BC Drive about his new cook book outlining recipes that can be prepared in under an hour.
Tied to a tinnie
Sunshine Coast's Pomona has a pretty special baker who had himself a little adventure in his boat in the waters off Teewah. A rogue wave overturned his boat and started a hard night for Andrew Taylor. Michael Smith speaks to this brave man who recounts his arduous journey.
Grounded after mid-air explosion
Ulf Waschbusch was looking forward to visiting Australia for the first time. That was until his Qantas Airbus A380 had a mid-air engine explosion. Michael Smith speaks with Ulf just hours after his plane was grounded. Listen here.
Qantas drama
A Qantas A380 has been forced to return to Singapore's Changi Airport after an engine failed. Michael Smith talks with aviation expert Geoffrey Thomas about the incident.
Joe Hockey on Commonwealth Bank
Joe Hockey, Shadow Treasurer, has lately argued for a shake up in the banking industry. With the latest figures report from Commonwealth Bank, this argument seems to be more and more appropriate in the eyes of mortgage holders. Michael Smith talks to Joe Hockey about this latest challenge.
Uncommon wealth
Commonwealth Bank's recent report outlining their profits and the CEO's pay packet has shocked many mortgage holders around Australia, compounded by the threat of a increase to interest rates beyond that recommended by the Reserve Bank. Michael Smith speaks to Michael Cant, Executive General Manager, Retail Products, about the figures.
Bad publicity
Queensland economic growth is at a standstill according to a report being published by Business Review Weekly. The Editor of BRW, Kate Mills, talks to 4BC Drive about the report and amount of red tape that is being added to Queensland's state legislations.
Pool safety forms
Thinking of installing a pool? Upgrading your pool fence for the festive season? You might want to think again, with the top brass at Queensland Government going crazy with paper work. Take a look at the following forms required for completion for pool ownership. As heard on the Michael Smith Drive show.
Commonwealth Bank
Smith blog - Australia’s 4 major banks - ANZ, NAB, Commonwealth and Westpac - have announced their results for the last year.
In round numbers they’ve made a little more than 20 thousand million dollars in profit.
There are just over 20 million Australians.
That’s about $1,000 each year from every man, woman, child and baby in the country. In bank profits.
The top cop
After almost a decade in the top job Bob Atkinson has seen the police force through its fair share of highs and lows. The Police Commissioner joins Michael Smith to discuss the finer points of a distinguished career.
Lost at sea: pictures found
A scuba camera which was lost in the ocean in 2006 when Peter Trayhurn and diving mate Geoff Tosio, were stranded 8km off the NSW Mid-North awaiting to be rescued, has been found and returned to it’s owner four-years later to Peter Trayhurn, who is again fighting for his life, this time against bowel cancer, he joins the Michael Smith Drive Show talking about his discovery and his cancer story.
Warships told to "go slow"
Australian navy captains have been given orders to reduce the speed of their ships as part of a $2.5 billion savings policy. Ian McPhedran, Defence Writer for News Limited, joins Michael Smith to discuss new cost saving measures.
An easy route to Australia
South Asia Correspondent for the Australian, Amanda Hodge, has had a first-hand account of the asylum seeker trade in Islamabad, Pakistan. She joins Michael Smith to discuss the travel agents who plot the journey of thousands of asylum seekers.
John-Paul Langbroek
State Opposition and LNP Leader John-Paul Langbroek reveals his Melbourne Cup party trick with 4BC Drive. However Michael Smith wants the Opposition Leader to reveal how Queenslanders would benefit from a change of government. Take a listen.
Man jailed for calling judge 'mate'
Drive show: Magistrate Matthew McLaughlin ordered police to take Thomas John Collins into custody for repeatedly calling the Magistrate ‘Mate’. Michael Smith reports.
4BC Breakfast
Jamie Dunn and Ian Calder have announced that they will be leaving 4BC to pursue a different project. Chris Adams, 4BC Program Director, talks to Gary Hardgrave about the sudden departure, and provides some insight as to the line-up for the 4BC Breakfast show over the coming week.
Commando Welfare Trust
Steps have been taken to set up a trust for those Commandos that have returned from war and require support or aid that other grants and entitlements may not provide. 4BC Drive speaks to Steve Pilmore, the Executive Officer of the Commando Welfare Trust, who is looking to raise a $15M sum. See further details on how to donate.
Watson's further trials
Gabe Watson, currently in prison for murdering his wife Tina Watson, might face much more serious charges when he finally gets back to Alabama, Michael Smith talks to Detective Brad Flynn from the Helena Police Department about the Grand Jury's deliberations in Alabama. Listen now.
An inconvenient curriculum
Should a work of fiction “An Inconvenient Truth” be introduced into the school curriculum? Senator Corey Bernardi, Shadow Parliamentary Secretary Assisting the Leader of the Opposition, shares his opinion with 4BC Drive on Al Gore's film being used as a resource for the subject of English.
Voting confusion
Mitch Redford, Scrutineer, talks to Michael Smith about Anna Bligh's latest comment against the optional preferential voting system and the confusion during the voting process.
Tougher laws for police prosecution
Queensland Police will have to comply with tougher laws when it comes to an offenders first appearance in court. A move the union says will deter police from prosecuting against “minor” crimes. Michael Smith discusses the reforms with Deputy Commissioner Ian Stewart.
Newman's army of spin
Campbell Newman must have some public image problems. The Lord Mayor has tripled his team of spin doctors in just two years. Michael Smith asks Campbell why the council have 107 staff employed in marketing and communications.
Medal Loss
Robert Rice has come across hard times. A returned serviceman, he talks to Michael Smith of his financial distress due to his involvement in the Green Loans Program. After the failure of this scheme, Robert had to go as far as to sell his service medals, much to his family's distress. Listen now and comment.
Fast speeds - slow start
The NBN roll out is off to a shaky start, with only one in ten people offered the system in Tasmania deciding to connect to the higher speed. Michael Smith caught up with Glen McNeill, the owner of an IGA in Midway Point, Tasmania, to find out if the NBN is all it is cracked up to be.
Stephen Conroy tantrum
4BC Drive host talks to Malcolm Turnbull, Shadow Minister for Communications and Broadband, regarding the ongoing debacle with the proposed broadband network. Discussion includes Stephen Conroy's recent outburst at the media and his threat to enforce federal laws making people change to the new system.
No privacy
A recent visit to a villa on the luxurious Magnetic Island ended in horror, as a women spotted several video cameras installed inside the rented premises. Michael Smith talks to Terry O'Gorman, Lawyer, about the legalities of such a set-up and when our privacy is being compromised.
Time for stem-cells
Professor Richard Boyd, Head of Department of Immunology at the Monash University, explains to 4BC Drive exactly what stem cells are, and why Australia hasn't invested in this kind of treatment. The need is illustrated by a listener who travelled overseas in order for her daughter to receive stem-cell treatment for her condition.
