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.
Packer packs a punch
Michael Smith talks to Harold Mitchell, Chairman of Mitchell and Partners, about James Packer's latest movements in the business world. Lately, James' interest have been lying with Channel 10. Harold Mitchell passes on his thoughts on what changes might occur. Listen now.
Rates rise expected
A recent report from the Queensland Treasury has predicted that the Brisbane City Council's future is bleak and the threat of rates rising is very real. Chairman of the Finance Committee, Adrian Schrinner, talks to Michael Smith about the possibility of also having to let council staff go. Listen now.
Fake cop
A recent incident on Logan Road ended with a person imitating a police officer who has pulled over an innocent victim and assaulted them. Michael Smith speaks to Acting Superintendent Chris Sang, about the case and what to look out for.
"We went to punish... to kill"
Over the coming days the Federal Government will debate the role our troops play in Afghanistan. One man who understands the mission better than most is Retired Lieutenant General Peter Leahy. He outlines how Afghanistan can be a successful mission with Michael Smith.
Kids in detention?
Michael Smith talks with Shadow Immigration Minister, Scott Morrison, about new laws allowing asylum-seekers with children to be relocated out of detention centres and into the community, easing crowd numbers in the already tense detention centres. Do you agree?
Campbell's alternative to cause a 'stink'?
With the NBN system looming over us, Campbell Newman talks to Michael Smith about his idea for a Broadband alternative. Campbell wants to see the fiber optic system rolled out across Brisbane utilising the underground sewer system to feed the cables through. Listen now.
The Right Can Do
The political left has plenty of representatives, but what about the right? Senator Corey Bernardi is going to establish an online presence, much similar to that of GetUp! Touted to be a Facebook for conservatives, Michael Smith finds out more about this scheme.
Water explanation
Can you believe the bureaucracy that is at work here in Queensland. Take a look at this information to explain water supplies to South East Queensland.
Masterchef in studio
With the success of Masterchef, Junior Masterchef and the recent publishing of a book, Gary Mehigan has got a lot to smile about. Michael Smith takes some time out with Gary in the studio to talk of the route that has led to the successful position he finds hinself in now. Listen and comment.
Bollywood slams Australia
Take a look at this Bollywood film depicting Melbourne as a racist city full of 'loose' women. The film, which was released this week in India, has drawn heavy criticism from India's own media, who have labeled it as 'terrible", "badly directed" and "far too insensitive". Watch now.
Afghan options
The General of Australian Operations in Afghanistan doesn’t mince words when he claims “We will win the war”. Michael Smith talks with Paul toohey, Senior Reporter with News Ltd, about his trip to Afghanistan and Tony Abbott's reaction when facing the war effort first hand. Listen now.
Climate Push Fuels Cost Hike
Michael Smith speaks to Roman Domanski, Executive Director, Energy Users Association of Australia, about the current...
A wobbly start?
Campbell Newman's city bike scheme has been dampened somewhat due to the recent weather, so Michael Smith talks to Margaret de Wit, Public and Active chair, about the current state of the scheme and the advertising that has been implemented so far. Listen and have your comment.
Domino's pizza uncovered
Don Meij, the CEO of Domino's pizza has taken the plunge to go on Network Ten's new show 'Undercover Boss'. Michael speaks to Don and asks what people might expect from the show, and what risks are presented in deciding to go through with it. Listen now.
Aussie BBQ
A 4BC listener has sent a photograph to Michael Smith of his latest back yard DIY venture - a true blue Aussie BBQ! Click through to have a better look!
This is appalling
Video footage has been released of ex-policeman Benjamin Thomas Price, 34, who was sentenced to 27 months' jail after pleading guilty to a number of assaults. Please be advised of the graphic nature of this video. Watch and have your comment
Sharp shooting Elyse Morrison
Take a look at our next champion sharp shooter Elyse Morrison. As heard on Drive with Michael Smith.
Floating QR National
The Queensland Government have announced the share price of the State rail network, QR National, after putting it up for public float over the weekend. Michael Smith asks the Queensland Treasurer Andrew Fraser if the sale of this public asset will reduce the state debt.
30 years ago...
Climate data that is being analysed in the design of energy efficient buildings is more than thirty years out of date. Terry Williamson, Expert in Thermal Performance, University of Adelaide, explains to Michael Smith that this data is imperative in the building process, yet is unreliable.
And you thought the Clem 7 was bad!
Check out this Russian tunnel - hopefully not built by the same people who gave us the Clem 7!
Families outraged
Child rapist school teacher Gerard Vincent Byrnes pleaded guilty to 10 counts of rape, 33 counts of indecent treatment of a child, and one count of maintaining a sexual relationship with a child. Judge Sarah Bradley sentenced Byrnes to 10 years in jail. Families of the victims became outraged by the sentence. Michael Smith talks with Shadow Attorney General, Lawrence Springborg about the sentence.
Increased employment woes
Australian retailers have lost their appeal against Fair Work Australia’s decision to make employers offer staff a minimum of three hours of work a day. How will this affect the majority of young people looking for work? Gary Black, Executive Director, The National Retail Association, talks to Michael Smith about this decision.
War Vet and Politician
Vietnam War Veteran and Liberal Member, Charlie Lynn, talks to Michael Smith regarding the circumstances that three Australian soldiers find themselves in after being charged for civilian deaths in Afghanistan earlier this year. Listen now and have your comment.
Nurses jobless
An alarming rate of Queensland student nurses have graduated only to face a job shortage in the industry, with a suggestion many jobs have been taken by foreign staff. Michael Smith talks with chief nursing officer from Queensland Health, Pauline Ross about the shortages.
Think Climate Think Change
As heard on the Michael Smith Drive show: an Australian government initiative, the Think Climate Think Change program, contains complete relevant education resource material on climate change, including climate fact sheets, green student glossary, curriculum-appropriate lesson charts and student activity sheets. Download here.
Oxygen tax
Joining Michael Smith on 4BC Drive is Rodney Hide MP, Act Leader and Minister for Regulatory Reform, to talk about New Zealand's Emissions Trading Scheme and what Australia can expect if they follow in the same footsteps. With farmers, industries and pensioners feeling the pinch, it seems to affect a wide range of people.
No jobs for nurses
Michael Smith talks to Gay Hawksworth, Secretary of the Nurse's Union, about the lack of jobs in the public system for nurses graduating from Queensland Universities. Listen and comment now.
Graham the mall sax man
If you've ever walked around the Queen Street mall, you'll be familiar with the tones of a certain saxophone. Graham, who is blind, has been playing his instrument in the mall for 22 years, and unfortunately has recently broken his leg. Michael Smith speaks to this Brisbane icon.
Form your own view
Michael Smith Drive show: An Alarming video every Westerner should see. You'll form your own view about this. Have your say now. Warning due to the distressing nature of the following material, viewer discretion is advised.
Do you support CityCycle?
The first stage of CityCycle has been launched, a Brisbane City Council initiative, delivered and operated by JCDecaux Australia. Michael Smith talks with Steve O’Conner from JC Decaux about the bike hire system and some problems that may arise with use of the system. Do you support CityCycle? Will it work? Have your say.
Deidre Kennedy ashes stolen
The ashes of murdered toddler Deidre Kennedy have been stolen from her family's home west of Brisbane. Michael Smith talks with a distraught Diedre’s mother, Faye Kennedy, about the theft.
Saving the planet?
Is there any level too low for the Green movement to stoop to? What warped mind could come up with this – presented in the name of saving the planet.
Hope for PNH sufferers
4BC Drive reported the story of Linda Charlton who suffers from a life-threatening condition called PNH. Drugs were initially offered by a company on compassionate grounds, but that supply was soon to stop. A public outburst followed, and now after a second recommendation given by the pharmacy board for the government to subsidise the drug, Michael Smith asks Jenny Sturrock, Acting President PNHSAA, about why this is not currently under emergency consideration.
War support
Tony Abbot, Opposition Leader, takes some time to talk to Michael Smith about his party's policy in regards to supporting Australian troops in Afghanistan. This comes after the Defence spokesman, David Johnston, spoke out about the need for more resources for the war.
Mohamed Khadra
Gough Whitlam had a vision of free healthcare for those who could not afford it. Author and Eurologist, Professor Mohamed Khadra, shared this vision, but has discovered things were not to turn out exactly as planned. He discusses with Michael Smith what has changed his mind about the Australian Healthcare system and his book "Terminal Decline".
Clem 7 failing
With promises being made that the Clem 7 tunnel would make it's money back, it appears levels of traffic are nowhere near those projected . Flan Cleary, CEO of RiverCity Motorway talks to 4BC Drive about the fact that his company might go bust.
Dealing with Muslim patients
Michael Smith Blog: Queensland Health has a new booklet that instructs its staff on how to deal with Muslims. Yesterday we asked Queensland Health whether it offered Halal meat to patients in Queensland Health hospitals. They said yes, they do. *** WARNING: Viewer discretion necessary ***
Diggers under fire
Three Aussie Diggers are facing charges over accidental civilian deaths in Afghanistan earlier this year. Keith Payne, VC in 1969, talks to MIchael Smith about his feeling towards these soldiers and the choices they made in a war that seems to be under the microscope. Have your say.
It's the Wiggles
4BC Drive is overjoyed to have a handful of Wiggles in the studio. Joining Michael Smith is Anthony, Jeff and Captain Feathersword. They will preform in Brisbane on the 11th and 12th of December at the Entertainment Centre.
Horror journey
A trip back to Roma turns into a horror journey as a family's car hit a flood in the road. The father, Steve, tells Michael Smith, how brave his 12 year-old son, Jack, was in having lightning reactions and rescuing his younger sisters from a car rapidly filling up with water. Listen to this amazing tale.
Bob Katter
The Independents who decided which party would govern the country were not in united talks before making a decision…Bob Katter joins Michael Smith to express his disappointment towards his independent colleagues. Listen now and comment.
David Gibson
David Gibson, Member for Gympie, talks to Michael Smith about the LNP's 'taser joke' over the weekend, and calls for all staff members involved to be sacked. He goes on to discuss his thoughts on John-Paul Langbroek and the job he's doing as state leader for the Opposition. Listen now.
Lightning presentation
A regular 'guard practice' on board HMAS Leeuwin, was cut short by an unexpected bolt of lightning. The electrical outburst first struck the upheld sword of the guard commander before creating havoc on the deck. Kane Hosking, one of the crew members affected talks to 4BC Drive.
