4BC Breakfast - Highlights

As 250 new residents move to the City of Moreton Bay every single week, the local council is drafting a massive new blueprint for its future. Mayor Peter Flannery joined Ben to explain why they’re looking to build up rather than out, and how they plan to preserve 75% of the region's green space amid the population boom.

Maroons star Ben Hunt delivered a brutally honest assessment of Queensland's devastating State of Origin defeat. Find out why he says the Bunker isn't to blame and how the team plans to channel the "burn" of the loss.

As Telstra reels from a massive 12-hour software outage that halted trains, hit 80,000 businesses, and caused hundreds of triple-0 calls to fail, Ben drives to the heart of who is to blame. PR expert Michael Crutcher joined the show to break down Telstra’s heavily criticised response and explain why the fallout is far from over.

Following China’s recent testing of a nuclear-capable ballistic missile in the South Pacific, Shadow Foreign Minister Ted O'Brien joined Ben Davis on 4BC Breakfast to urge Pacific Island nations, including Australia and Fiji, to form a unified regional defence pact. The Minister warned that Australia must urgently prepare for potential conflict by boosting its defence spending to 3% of GDP to secure critical infrastructure, long-range missiles, and autonomous drone systems.

Former Maroons player Jai Arrow joined Ben Davis to discuss his emotional return to Suncorp Stadium on Origin Day, where he will have the honour of walking out with the shield ahead of the big game. Jai opened up about his recent wedding, his heart breaking battle with Motor Neurone Disease (MND), the massive wave of public support through "Jai July," and how the current Queensland squad is looking sharp and ready to go.

Former Maroon Brent Tate joined Ben Davis on 4BC Breakfast to discuss the psychological warfare of playing a State of Origin decider at Suncorp Stadium, warning that the deafening "Queenslander" call can rattle even the most seasoned players. He analysed the high-stakes wing matchup, predicting that New South Wales debutant Jack Bostock will face an absolute aerial assault from Queensland’s kickers.

Brisbane's real estate market has experienced a dramatic downturn, with auction clearance rates plunging to a grim 23.8% compared to nearly 40% the previous week. Industry expert Paul Curtain joined Ben Davis on 4BC Breakfast to explain that market fear has shifted from the "fear of missing out" to the "fear of overpaying," causing buyers to aggressively slow down their decision-making.

A long-vacant site in Toowong is set for a massive redevelopment featuring four 39-story apartment towers, providing a crucial injection of housing supply into a strained Brisbane market. Experts argue that while high-rise developments face staggering construction costs, the ultimate success of these mega-precincts depends entirely on vibrant ground-level retail, hospitality, and community spaces.

Suncorp Stadium's General Manager Darren Burden joined Ben Davis on 4BC Breakfast to express his immense excitement ahead of his very first State of Origin decider at the venue. He revealed the monumental pressure the stadium is under as it ticks over 1.2 million visitors this week, placing massive strain on head groundsman Matt Oliver to keep the heavily trafficked field playable.

Rugby League legend Wally Lewis joined Ben Davis on 4BC Breakfast to dissect Queensland's looming State of Origin decider at Suncorp Stadium, a venue where the Maroons haven't tasted victory in three years. The King broke down the tactical necessity of a flawless kicking game, the pressure facing NSW debutant Jack Bostock, and why Queensland must ignore their rare status as bookmaker favourites to avoid a repeat of the 1994 series loss.

Following the CFMEU commission of inquiry, a new proposed Queensland construction code aims to completely replace the controversial Best Practice Industry Conditions (BPICT) that have long plagued the sector. Civil Contractors Federation Queensland CEO Damian Long joined Ben Davis on 4BC Breakfast to warn that the code must be implemented immediately, or massive upcoming Olympic Games projects could miss out on these vital productivity-boosting reforms.

Queensland Premier David Crisafulli has announced a strict new "breach bail, go to jail" policy targeting repeat youth offenders during the LNP state conference. While the announcement was met with thunderous applause inside the room, critics and justice advocates are already raising alarms over a total lack of policy details and potential legal complications regarding unproven offences.

Hear all this week's best bits from 4BC Breakfast with Ben Davis.

Ever wondered if an artist can truly set themselves up for life off the back of just one famous song? White Sky Music’s head of royalties, Matt Bird, joined Ben Davis to explain exactly how global airplay and streaming pots turn single tracks into massive lifelong fortunes.

After facing three separate family health crises, including the tragic loss of his 18-year-old son to a rare cancer, Queenslander Shaune Watts refused to be defeated and instead raised over $1.3 million for charity.  Hear the deeply moving story of how this ordinary local dad uses sheer determination and cold calls to turn profound heartbreak into a powerful lifesaving legacy.

Former Socceroo Matt McKay joined Ben Davis to take us inside the inner sanctum ahead of Australia’s massive clash against Egypt.  He shared firsthand insights on stopping a compromised Mo Salah, the Brisbane teenager set to explode on the world stage, and why this is the perfect draw for the green and gold.

NRL legend Mark "MG" Geyer joined Ben Davis on 4BC Breakfast to dissect Laurie Daley's highly controversial NSW Blues lineup changes ahead of the high-stakes State of Origin decider. The segment also shed light on the emotional community rally behind Jai Arrow's battle with Motor Neurone Disease (MND) for "Jai July," alongside MG’s bold predictions for the upcoming weekend of NRL club footy.

Nine years after the historic "Battle of Brisbane," former WBO welterweight champion Jeff Horn joined Ben Davis on 4BC Breakfast to open up about the chilling moment he heard "and new" inside a roaring Suncorp Stadium. The former schoolteacher reflects on defying the odds against Manny Pacquiao and shares how that life-changing victory launched his current crusade to protect Australian schoolkids from bullying.

An undetected people-smuggler vessel successfully made landfall in Far North Queensland on Tuesday, sparking fierce political debate over the current government's handling of border security. Shadow Home Affairs Minister Jonno Duniam joined Ben Davis on 4BC Breakfast to warn that a 20% cut to aerial surveillance hours and a questionable $4 billion contract are leaving Australia's borders dangerously exposed to illegal networks.

A heated debate between Ben Davis and food safety expert Susannah Roelofsz of 4BC Mornings revealed the terrifying hidden bacterial risks lurking in everyday leftovers like chicken, rice, and pasta. The segment breaks down how improper cooling and uneven microwave reheating create perfect breeding grounds for heat-resistant toxins that can lead to severe gastrointestinal illness.

University of Queensland Professor Robbie Wilson joined Ben Davis on 4BC Breakfast to discuss how wildlife biology mathematics is used to analyse every single penalty shootout in World Cup and Euro history, discovering that crucial psychological shifts drastically affect success rates. His data shows that the order of shooters must completely flip depending on whether a team kicks first or second, yet conservative global soccer academies are notoriously resistant to adopting this groundbreaking strategy.

Brisbane Broncos halfback Ben Hunt joined Ben Davis on 4BC Breakfast to break his silence on the swirling rumours of a dressing room mutiny against coach Michael Maguire, firmly backing the coach by pointing to his own recent contract extension. Hunt also laid bare the playing group's deep disappointment and shock over Josiah’s second disciplinary stand-down of the year, while locking focus on Saturday’s "do or die" Suncorp clash against the Sharks.

A major shift in federal legislation now mandates employers to pay superannuation contributions concurrently with regular pay cycles rather than quarterly, heavily impacting small business cash flows by pulling deadlines forward by 118 days. While commercial accounting software accommodates these changes, the sudden closure of the ATO’s small business clearing house leaves 280,000 employers scrambling to find alternative solutions amidst rising economic uncertainties and strict impending penalty regimes.

The Brisbane Broncos are facing intense external pressure and rumours of a player-led revolt following a brutal seven-game losing streak since Anzac Day. However, between massive injury counts, ASX financial constraints, and a lack of viable replacement coaches, cutting Michael Maguire loose early would be a massive mistake for the club.

Media commentator Nick Hayes joined Ben Davis on 4BC Breakfast to expose the massive gap between the perceived wealth of digital influencers and the harsh reality of their actual earnings. This eye-opening segment delves into why traditional, regulated media remains the trusted choice for major advertisers while cautioning listeners against relying entirely on social media for their news.

Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding joined Ben Davis on 4BC Breakfast to reveal the city’s landmark 2026/27 budget, unveiling the largest-ever three-year capital works program alongside new initiatives like the region's first-ever waste vouchers. However, the announcement comes amid rising tensions, as the Mayor slammed the state and federal governments for a "shocking" lack of infrastructure funding required to sustain Queensland's fastest-growing city.

A massive energy shift hits Southeast Queensland tomorrow, offering households three consecutive hours of completely free electricity between 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM. However, Energy Flex CEO Gary Harding joined Ben Davis on 4BC Breakfast to warn that consumers must possess a smart meter and proactively contact their retailers to switch over, or they risk missing out entirely.

The host and Queensland Hotels Association CEO Bernie Hogan joined Ben Davis on 4BC Breakfast to criticise the state government's refusal to temporarily extend early-morning trading hours for major sporting events like the World Cup.  They argued that rigid 2:00AM and 3:00AM lockout laws are harming the economy, starving casual workers of shifts, and proving that Brisbane is not yet ready to operate as a global 24/7 city ahead of the 2032 Olympics.

Brisbane is set for a massive economic boost following the announcement that Suncorp Stadium will host the rugby union Bledisloe Cup on ANZAC Day every second year until 2031, alongside a high-profile Socceroos match against Brazil in September. BEDA CEO Anthony Ryan joined Ben Davis on 4BC Breakfast to reveal that these major events are part of a strategic three-year plan to stress-test the city's transport, security, and night-time economy ahead of the 2032 Olympic Games.

A controversial new $5,000 cap on subsidised allied health care for veterans has sparked massive outrage, with critics branding the budget change a complete betrayal. However, veteran and Trojan’s Trek chair Daniel Vincent joined Ben Davis on 4BC Breakfast to argue that while the cap is an emotional shock, it could force a broken system away from creating long-term dependency and toward true, evidence-based recovery.

Hear all this week's best bits from 4BC Breakfast with Dean Miller and Sofie Formica.

International music superstar Ronan Keating joined Dean & Sofie on 4BC Breakfast from Dubai to discuss his upcoming appearance alongside José Carreras, Robbie Williams, and The Corrs at the Gabba on December 5th. During the candid interview, Keating opened up about his past rivalry-turned-friendship with Robbie Williams, a life-changing interaction with Julia Roberts at the Notting Hill premiere, and his family's deep roots in Australia.

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A Brisbane cafe is sparking controversy by shutting down its coffee machines at 11:00 AM on Friday to screen the Socceroos' crucial midday match against Paraguay. While some businesses haven't embraced the soccer craze, Doc Brown Cafe in West End is setting up a projector and encouraging customers to bring their own refreshments to watch the game together.

Two massive, shallow earthquakes struck Venezuela during a national holiday evening, leaving entire apartment buildings flat on the ground and hundreds confirmed dead or injured. With estimates suggesting the death toll could surpass 10,000, international teams - including US aerial assets and search crews - are mobilising to assist the country's overwhelmed emergency services.

Europe is facing an unprecedented climate crisis as record-breaking heatwaves trigger historic red alerts and lead to a rising death toll across Spain, Italy, and France. An on-the-ground report from Belgium reveals how locals are struggling to cope due to a lack of air conditioning, ice cream shortages, and the emergency shutdown of nuclear power plants.

Rugby League legend Mark Geyer reacts to the disappointing State of Origin result before confirming his son Maverick's major three-year signing with the Perth Bears on 4BC Breakfast with Dean & Sofie.  He breaks down the physical toll and challenges of the move out west, while the team also dissects a massive Round 16 NRL lineup.

The controversial Morton Motorsport Park proposal has deeply divided the Beachmere community, prompting Pumicestone MP Ariana Doolan to secure a ten-day submission extension that officially closes today. While the MP remained neutral on 4BC Breakfast to ensure a fair and transparent review process, Dean & Sofie predict the Deputy Premier will ultimately use special environmental powers to push the project through.

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With only days left in the financial year, the Mater Foundation has launched its high-stakes Mater Giving Day, an urgent 24-hour blitz aiming to secure $2 million for critical medical equipment and research. Thanks to generous philanthropic partners, every single donation made before midnight tonight will be automatically tripled, throwing a vital lifeline to Queensland patients in need.

Channel Nine has reportedly parted ways with host Karl Stefanovic after his independent podcast took a decidedly right-wing political turn, featuring controversial figures like Tommy Robinson. While the network has not released an official statement, speculation remains over whether Stefanovic will walk away with a six-month contract payout or if he was immediately terminated.

Brisbane Broncos veteran Ben Hunt joined Dean & Sofie on 4BC Breakfast to discuss his official one-year contract extension and his immediate move into the halfback position due to team injuries. He also addressed rumours of a potential club return for Dane Gagai and shares his thoughts on playing a future NRL match in Christchurch.

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Queensland State Treasurer David Janetzki joined Dean & Sofie on 4BC Breakfast to discuss the government's latest budget, emphasising a "back to basics" approach that shifts focus from massive infrastructure spending to easing the daily financial burdens of Queenslanders. They highlighted significant investments in health, education, and transport, alongside structural changes to ensure public service growth is directly concentrated on frontline roles rather than corporate bureaucracy.

Plans to build free community pickleball courts at Holland Park have been officially scrapped following a sustained campaign by protestors and local NIMBYs. Ward Councillor Krista Adams joined Dean & Sofie on 4BC Breakfast to express deep disappointment over the cancellation, noting that a vocal minority has deprived the wider community of accessible recreation while defending the installation of CCTV cameras for worker safety.

The proposed Morton Motorsport Park in Beachmere has sparked intense community debate over potential flood impacts, noise pollution, traffic increases, and environmental contamination like PFAS. While local protesters are demanding a location change, developer Andrew Corbett joined Dean & Sofie on 4BC Breakfast to defend the chosen 1,000-acre site, arguing that comprehensive engineering reports prove it is the ideal spot and that local retirement villages are refusing to engage in consultations.

Dean & Sofie's $50,000 Rumour File - Do you have a rumour? Call 133 882 or email breakfast@4bc.com.au

UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has announced his resignation after less than two years in office, following mounting internal pressure and a rapidly shifting political landscape. Former Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham has returned to parliament and is heavily favoured to run unopposed for the Labor leadership, potentially taking over the top job in just over three weeks.

A crowd of 200 protestors gathered in Beachmere to rally against the Corbett Group's proposed Moreton Motorsport Park, citing severe threats to their community's peaceful lifestyle. Jay Merritt, spokesperson for 'No Motorsport Beachmere', joined Dean & Sofie on 4BC Breakfast to warn that the facility risks worsening local flooding, generating disruptive noise for 43 weekends a year, and bypassing the local council approval process.

CleanBill CEO James Gillespie joined Dean & Sofie on 4BC Breakfast to break down new data revealing a rise in bulk-billing clinics alongside increasing out-of-pocket costs for patients. While the federal government's November Medicare changes successfully incentivised some clinics to fully bulk-bill, others have been forced to hike their fees to combat intense inflationary pressures.