2GB Afternoons - Highlights

The shadow Energy Minister has backed a state government inquiry into data centres which he says will set the pace for the rest of the nation

2GB Afternoons host Michael McLaren says recent events have proved no one has any idea of the parameters of free speech.

Lucy Zelić says she's had enough of the schoolyard antics of the National and Liberal Parties after it was revealed National leader David Littleproud was facing a leadership spill.

Michael McLaren argues that Australia’s burgeoning AI industry faces a critical infrastructure challenge, as data centers are forecast to consume up to 13% of the nation’s electricity and a quarter of Sydney’s water supply by 2035.

The director of Shir Violinist, the Jewish musical group that performed at the Sydney Opera House during yesterday's Australia Day celebrations, has recalled the upsetting moment he came across the hateful scenes at the Sydney Opera House on October 9, 2023.

Michael McLaren says a sceptic could look at the federal energy guarantee granted to Tomago Aluminium and say the timely decision to conclude the quarterly $75 energy rebate was a "convenient decision".

Entertainer PJ Lane joined Michael McLaren to discuss the tribute show for his father, I Love Your Faces, The Don Lane Story.

A former Finance Minister has been awarded the highest Australia Day honour.

A spokesperson for AusIran says no one in the Iranian diaspora has clear answers about their loved ones in Iran. 

A new report has revealed that some Australian universities are using private companies to operate their CBD campuses, with a large number of these campuses almost exclusively full of international students.

US President Donald Trump has reaffirmed his pursuit of Greenland, but there are questions forming over why he wants the Danish territory.

Michael McLaren is betting that Anthony Albanese can't believe his luck after the Coalition split in the aftermath of Labor's hate speech laws passing.

As Australia Day draws close, Michael McLaren has reflected on the current state of Australia.

A new article suggests Australian men are falling behind in the realm of flirting compared to other countries, like the US.  Dating Coach and Relationship Expert Karina Chapman joins Michael to talk about how men perform in the dating world in Australia.

Jason Launder, General Manager of The Golf Travel Agency, joins Michael to talk about golf tourism. 

The latest polling results have resulted in a small win for One Nation, outpolling the Coalition for the first time in history.

The long-awaited Sydney Fish Markets has opened at its new location today, with crowds turned away due to capacity.

Councillor Harry Starvinos at the City of Canterbury-Bankstown has shared what he thinks is the issue with councils.

Michael McLaren has called on councils around Sydney and New South Wales to focus on the issues that really matter.

Owner and Head Chef of Honey & Walnut Patisserie, as well as Creative Director Chef Ali, join Michael to talk about Honey & Walnut Patisserie in Dulwich Hill. 

Sir Donald Bradman’s baggy green from the 1947–48 series against India is heading to auction. The baggy green will go under the hammer at Lloyds Auctions, with bidding opening at $1 and closing on Australia Day. 

Australian Human Rights Commissioner Lorraine Finlay raised concerns on 2GB Afternoons about the speed of the hate speech reforms and their unintended consequences.  

Retired Australian Army Major General Gus McLachlan joined 2GB Afternoons to discuss the possible military response to the current situation unfolding in Iran. 

Longtime 2GB presenter Brian Wilshire has passed away, aged 81.

Freelance Travel Writer and Journalist Laurie Lyons-Makaimoku joins Michael to talk about venturing to Hawaii. 

Vice President of the Rule of Law Institute of Australia Chris Merritt joined 2GB Afternoons and weighed in on the federal government's proposed legislation, which is set to redefine the threshold for hate speech.

Michael McLaren and Dr. Michael Gannon discuss why Australia’s birth rate has hit a 25-year low and the "economic reversal" that awaits if we don't fix the cost-of-living crisis.

Michael McLaren suggests that the selective approach to free speech reveals a litigious and fragile state of modern Australian democracy. Arguing that while local writers obsess over "cultural safety," they remain silent on the oppressive regimes funding their causes.

Listen to the full show podcast with Lucy Zelic filling in for Michael McLaren

Lucy Zelić issues a powerful call to action, arguing that Australia must urgently refocus on the "great Australian values" of mateship, freedom, and common sense.

Luke Bona has pointed out a detail of this evening's NYE celebrations.

Advanced Sports Dietitian, Simone Austin joined 2GB Summer Afternoons.

The PM has continued to resist calls for a Royal Commission into the Bondi terror attack.

Nationals leader David Littleproud has had his say on the NSW Premier's crackdown on gun control in the aftermath of the Bondi massacre.

Former Treasurer Josh Frydenberg delivered a stunning speech in front of the general public in Bondi, speaking from his heart about the pain of the Bondi terror attack while calling out the Albanese government's lack of response to recent antisemitism concerns.

The Special Envoy to Combat Anti-Semitism in Australia has called out the actions of a lone pro-Palestine protester who disrupted a memorial site this afternoon.

The former CEO of the NSW Jewish Board of Deputies has told 2GB Afternoons host Michael McLaren Australians should be allowed to celebrate any holiday without fear.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will push for tougher gun laws when the National Cabinet gathers later today.

Australia's most beloved tenor, Mark Vincent, discusses his upcoming Christmas Spectacular in his hometown of Sutherland and wows listeners with a live performance.

Veteran sports journalist Mark Beretta confirms he is stepping away from Channel Seven's Sunrise after an incredible 22-year tenure.

Australian music icon Paul Kelly discusses his extraordinary 40-year career and the release of his new double album, Seventy. Kelly, who is now celebrating his 70th birthday, reflects on the journey that made him one of Australia's most treasured storytellers and how his music has become absorbed into the national DNA.

NSW Minister for Gaming and Racing David Harris confirms the Minns government's decision to close Wentworth Park, ending 95 years of greyhound racing at the site.

Barnaby Joyce says he's joined a "fellow traveller" confirming he's now a member of Pauline Hanson's One Nation.

Supermodel and America's Next Top Model host Tyra Banks discusses her surprising pivot to the culinary world with her new flagship ice cream shop, Smize and Dream, located in Darling Harbour.

Former Prime Minister John Howard reflects on his early life in the working-class Sydney suburb of Earlwood.

Michael McLaren asserts that the fundamental reason for the Liberal collapse was the party's "missing ideological spine." He argues that voters went to the polls unsure what the Liberal brand stood for anymore, contrasting the party's "purple blend" policy stance with the unashamedly clear, big-spending agenda of Labor.

Belgium Specialist at Oasis Travel Rod Dyksman 

Michael McLaren raises the alarm over a massive US naval build-up off Venezuela's Caribbean coast, including an aircraft carrier, arguing it signals the Trump Administration's determination for regime change.

St Mary’s Cathedral Choir joins the show.

Michael McLaren issues a stark warning about driver fatigue in the point-to-point transport industry after multiple encounters with clearly exhausted drivers.