2GB Afternoons - Highlights

The Albanese government has committed $230 million to kick-start a 194km high-speed rail link between Sydney and Newcastle, a project estimated to cost nearly $100 billion. High Speed Rail Authority CEO Tim Parker argues the investment is justified by Australia’s population density, noting that 60% of the population lives on just 2% of the land mass along the east coast.

Michael McLaren explores the polarising history of journalist Wilfred Burchett, the first "stateless" Australian, and questions why the current government hesitates to use its legal powers to bar modern security threats like ISIS brides from returning home.

Michael McLaren expresses deep concern over the "spirit" of education reform being undermined by universities admitting students with ATARs under 50. He argues that while professions like media maintain high entry bars, the teaching profession is settling for lower standards, signaling a potential crisis in classroom competency.

Michael characterises the Supreme Court’s 6-3 decision as a "seismic" blow to Donald Trump. He notes that while it proves American checks and balances still operate, it erases nearly $200 billion in expected annual revenue and weakens Trump’s hand just before pivotal trade talks with President Xi.

As global arms control treaties expire and regional threats escalate, defense experts warn that Australia may need to consider developing its own nuclear deterrent to maintain sovereignty and military credibility. Peter Hartcher, Political and International Editor for the Sydney Morning Herald says that Australia must be "wide-eyed" about a crumbling global order.

The Australian government’s "carbon leakage" review suggests implementing new import tariffs to protect local manufacturers from cheaper, high-emission foreign competitors. Michael McLaren warn this "rising tide" will ultimately lead to higher prices for consumers.

Head to https://www.pretzelwealth.com.au/ for more.

Michael McLaren secures the Opposition's official support for his petition to save Sydney's historic Victoria Barracks, as new Shadow Defense Minister James Paterson calls out the government's "shortsighted" plan to fund defense by selling off 67 military sites.

Michael McLaren argues that while Angus Taylor has successfully built a "prosecutorial" hit squad to hunt down Labor’s big hitters, the Coalition’s flank remains dangerously exposed in the two areas that actually decide suburban elections: Energy and the NDIS. "Why on earth did Angus Taylor pick Dan Tehan for the job? Like Taylor with Chalmers, Tehan has so far failed to land one blow on Bowen, despite no shortage of opportunities."

Michael McLaren argues that while geographical "blanket bans" are too blunt, Australia must strictly vet applicants' ideologies to ensure they align with the country's core democratic principles.

Michael McLaren analyses the massive buildup of U.S. naval firepower in the Persian Gulf, arguing that the blunt rhetoric from the Munich Security Conference signaling "regime change" is no mere bluff. He suggests we are witnessing a high-stakes move in a global game of geopolitical chess designed to finally checkmate the Ayatollah and shift the tectonic plates of power.

From the Northern Beaches to the world stage, two-time AEW TNT Champion Kyle Fletcher discusses the sacrifice, the "Brain Buster," and his high-stakes homecoming ladder match at Qudos Bank Arena.

Michael McLaren warns that the "short-sighted" sale of Victoria Barracks ignores the "rearview mirror" of history and creates a dangerous security gap in the heart of Sydney. Lieutenant General Ken Gillespie, former Vice Chief of the Defence Force and former Chief of Army argues that losing this secure CBD site would be a "straight loss" to our immediate defense capability and our ability to respond to emergencies.

With the Liberal leadership settled, Michael McLaren shifts the focus to whether Angus Taylor can expose the "fantasist" energy policies driving up bills and threatening Australia’s industrial base.

Michael McLaren and Liberal Senator Sarah Henderson condemn the Albanese government's plan to sell off historic military sites like Victoria Barracks and Fort Queenscliff, calling it a "reckless" move that compromises national security and heritage for short-term budget fixes.

Michael McLaren rebukes NSW Premier Chris Minns for comparing the potential sale of the historic Victoria Barracks to a neighbour clearing a boat off the street. While acknowledging that everyone makes verbal slips, McLaren argues the comparison is "dopey" and "insensitive" given the site’s status as secular sacred ground and its deep connection to the soldiers who marched out of its gates to fight for Australia’s freedoms.

Michael McLaren examines the tension between sports as a neutral escape and its reality as a platform for activism, arguing that selective neutrality is inherently political and suggests that "sport for sport's sake" may be an impossible ideal.

Former Labor Minister for Defence Material Dr Mike Kelly has put his support behind the call to not sell off the Victoria Barracks

Head to https://www.pretzelwealth.com.au/ for more.

Former Prime Minister Tony Abbott has called on the federal government to hold on to some defence sites, including the historic Victoria Barracks.

Labor MP for Coogee Marjorie O'Neill has called on Richard Marles to not sell off the historic Victoria Barracks site.

A former defence minister has given his support for the sale of some of Australia defence force sites.

Michael McLaren has called out a cohort of pro-Palestine protestors, including a couple of Labor MPs, who plan to gather later today to protest the arrival of the Israeli President Isaac Herzog.

There are growing calls to stop the sale of the Victoria Barracks following news that it was one of many sites up for sale.

As the ACTU pushes for the capital gains tax to be halved, Michael McLaren says he thinks the government is "softening us up for a revenue grab."

Head to https://www.pretzelwealth.com.au/ for more.

There are concerns the steel industry could soon collapse as manufacturers face increasing pressure from rising power prices and cheap imports.

The federal government is poised to sell off a number of Australia's most historic defence sites following a report published in 2023.

The ACTU have called on the government to slash the capital gains tax discount.

The Reserve Bank has raised the cash rate by 25 basis points to 3.85 per cent, the first rate hike in over two years.

Michael McLaren says all eyes will be on the Reserve Bank's cash rate announcement expected tomorrow.

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.