2GB Afternoons - Highlights

It's the latest smelter to need a government bailout, but Bell Bay has proven why the current industrial and energy policy path will doom Australia's future.

The Minister for Industry and Innovation Tim Ayers has blamed the owner for failing to invest in the corporation.

Bathurst Mayor Ben Fry joined Michael to warn tens of thousands of Supercars fans travelling from Sydney about major road delays caused by the ongoing closure of Victoria Pass. 

Fresh off leading the Brisbane Lions to a historic third consecutive premiership, head coach Chris Fagan has officially informed club bosses he will step down despite having a year left on his contract. 

From energy policy to migration, Michael McLaren outlined how factional infighting is crippling the Liberal Party's main platform. He argued that One Nation's direct, unified voice is winning over conservative voters who feel completely shut out by party HQ.

Chook Claude has joined Michael in the studio after their successful 2GB tipping campaign.

Tim Wilson joins Michael McLaren after inflation data was released today.

Michael McLaren has outlined how America and its allies have turned to economic means to bring Iran down.

The RBA has hiked the interest rate to the highest in 15 years, to 4.6 per cent.

Michael McLaren has unpacked a vicious cycle, as it becomes clearer every day that the days of low interest rates are long over.

Shadow Home Affairs and Immigration Minister Jonno Duniam has unpacked how the immigration system has been completely broken by the Labor government.

"God help us".

Michael McLaren has explained why Australia is becoming increasingly unprepared, as experts point out that the budget has no built-in buffers for emergencies.

Michael McLaren has shared his key takeaway from the Australian Financial Review's annual power list, which confirms the left's current power.

Former Commonwealth Bank boss David Murray joined 2GB Afternoons. 

Australia's energy debate is entering a new phase as the rapid growth of AI and data centres raises fresh questions about how the country will generate reliable electricity. 

Public spending per student has surged by 24%, yet Australian kids are now losing an entire year's progress in core subjects like math. Michael breaks down where that money is really going and why taxpayers aren't seeing results.

There's been a disappointing development in the bid to keep historic defence sites in the hands of the Australian Defence Force.

Michael McLaren has been left questioning if the "eco-warriors" will look back in regret as the government rules out a return to the fuel excise in hopes that more Australians switch to EVs.

Following his eye-opening Four Corners hack demonstration, cybersecurity director Dan Hreszczuk explained why Australia’s auto safety policies lag behind international standards. 

Research has taken place into what Michael McLaren has called a fascinating question.

As global debt reaches $348 trillion, Michael McLaren has outlined why governments need to rein in spending.

Dolphins CEO Terry Reader reflected on the club’s remarkable journey to a home grand final qualifier at Suncorp Stadium after securing third place on the ladder. He broke down the strategy behind their rapid rise and offered key insights for prospective consortia vying for the NRL’s 20th license.

Australia's longest-serving immigration minister Philip Ruddock reflected on his legacy, the high-stakes decisions of the 2001 Tampa crisis, and why absorbing immigration into Home Affairs was a critical mistake.  

Michael McLaren has noticed something interesting about the way Labor behaved in Question Time after Tony Burke unveiled his migration plan.

Federal MP Garth Hamilton made a passionate case for why Toowoomba, backed by heavy-hitting local industries, deserves the NRL’s 20th franchise over a second New Zealand team. 

Michael McLaren says the downfall of Cue and Veronika Maine isn't an isolated tragedy; it is a direct warning about Australia’s hostile business environment.  Mounting compliance costs and government red tape are forcing local companies to the wall.

Australia's most prolific theatre producer has revealed to Michael McLaren how he helped Opera Australia to recreate the original 1955 production of My Fair Lady.

As the hit Broadway production My Fair Lady celebrates 70 years since its first run, Hollywood royalty Dame Julie Andrews has joined Michael McLaren live on air to celebrate what she calls an unusual love story.

Stars Claire Lyon and Nathaniel Parker opened up about stepping into the iconic shoes of Eliza Doolittle and Professor Henry Higgins at the Sydney Opera House. Hear how direct advice from Dame Julie Andrews gave them the confidence to make these legendary roles their own and pull off the high-stakes production.

Michael McLaren says that while two of Australia's prominent national security figures have urged the country to embrace honesty, decision-makers and the population need to be open and willing.

She's no stranger to controversy but Sydney Sweeney's latest ad has left many female athletes angry.

Michael McLaren has urged the major parties and One Nation to really consider their policies, as he points out that the economy and productivity need more than reducing immigration.

CommBank Economist Harry Ottley broke down how Queensland clinched the top spot in the latest State of the States economic report, even as S&P downgraded the state's credit rating.

New polling has revealed that the Australian public is losing confidence in Anthony Albanese to manage the economy.

A documentary maker is asking for veterans to tell their stories 86 years on from the end of World War II.

A veteran and military expert has provided an update on what's happening in the Middle East as well as what could likely unfold in the near future.

Michael McLaren has looked back on the day that saw the tragic loss of 2977 people 25 years ago as he shares the lesson no one should forget.

Michael McLaren has revealed why he believes Australia could learn a couple of lessons from Singapore regarding how politicians are paid.

As New South Wales makes pill testing permanent at music festivals, Queensland Health Minister Tim Nicholls joined Michael McLaren to explain why the Sunshine State introduced a complete ban on drug checking.

Michael McLaren has urged education officials to recognise that the reason Australian children are going backwards in education isn't due to a lack of money.

Listen to the full chat with Federal Liberal MP Rick Wilson.

Under a Coalition proposal set to go to Parliament, people who burn the Australian flag could face a maximum jail term of 12 months with Opposition Leader Angus Taylor saying, "we need to stand up for Australia". 

Questions have been raised about the sale of properties in port precincts earmarked for future AUKUS bases.

Dads gathered at Parliament House following Father's Day to push for a major overhaul of Australia’s parental leave policies. The Parenthood CEO Georgie Dent joined the program to explain why doubling government-funded paid leave to 52 weeks is essential for modern families.

Michael McLaren has outlined what he calls a fascinating similarity between the right-wing party AfD and One Nation, following the German party's relative success in a state election despite many dismissing them.

Michael McLaren has unpacked how the PNG deal is more than just an attempt to build the NRL internationally as China attempts to strengthen its grip on the Asia-Pacific region.

The Shadow Minister for Education and Indigenous Australians Julian Leeser has revealed to Michael McLaren the reason behind the Coalition's decision to invite the former Iranian Crown Prince, now political activist Reza Pahlavi, to Australia.

The CEO of the Australian Honey Bee Industry Council Danny Le Feuvre has explained to Michael McLaren the impact of the varroa mite,

Senator Jonno Duniam has warned Michael McLaren that current government policy has turned a blind eye to the innocent people caught up in the illegal tobacco trade.