4BC Breakfast - Highlights

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

The Small Business Association of Australia warns that business confidence has hit a 20-year low as owners face an overwhelming barrage of new compliance regulations and tax changes starting July 1. Chief executive Anne Nalder joined Dean & Sofie on 4BC Breakfast to highlight that skyrocketing public liability insurance - driven by global weather events and overseas insurance packaging - is creating a perfect storm that threatens to cancel local festivals and family adventure businesses.

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

US Correspondent Lauren Tomasi joined Jason Matthews on 4BC Mornings live from Seattle, reporting on the massive influx of passionate Australian soccer fans, painted in green and gold, ahead of tomorrow's highly anticipated match. Amidst the pre-game excitement, they chuckle over the humorous - and sometimes highly embarrassing - cultural differences and slang translations that Aussie tourists are encountering in America.

NRL legend Mark Geyer opened up about the devastating 44-22 State of Origin loss in Melbourne and the crucial lineup changes needed to save New South Wales in Game 3. He delivered his bold round predictions despite admitting he hasn’t looked at the schedule all week.

Suncorp Stadium is getting a massive facelift, introducing an Australian-first 360-degree wraparound screen inspired by Los Angeles' famous SoFi Stadium. ASM Global CEO Harvey Lister joined Dean and Sofie to break down how these upgrades will completely change the game-day experience for Queensland sports fans.

From classic cars to your old Pokémon cards, a massive tax shakeup is brewing that could target your personal collectibles. The 4BC Rumour File follows up on a listener tip, with an exclusive report revealing why millions of taxpayers must value anything worth over $500 before July 1.

Queensland child protection systems are getting a massive $255 million overhaul to stop dangerous predators from falling through inter-agency cracks. Queensland Family and Child Commission CEO Luke Twyford joined Dean and Sofie to reveal why adult privacy will no longer be prioritised over a child's safety.

With Queensland facing a must-win clash in Melbourne tonight, Ben Hunt reveals exactly what Coach Billy Slater will be doing behind closed doors to prime the Maroons. Plus, hear his tight score prediction and what's on the menu at the Hunt household for the big game.

Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner revealed how a major drive in debt reduction allowed Brisbane City Council to sneak its upcoming rate rise well below current inflation rates. Find out where the council found millions in savings without borrowing a single dollar for the first time in a decade.

In a lead-up to State of Origin Game Two, Quincy the Quokka from Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary has officially predicted a Queensland victory by choosing their designated treat box over New South Wales. Dean & Sofie on 4BC Breakfast are capitalising on the prediction tomorrow by giving away limited-edition bottles of "Eau de Queensland" perfume to listeners who call in with their own score predictions.

The Australia Institute is pushing for a national plebiscite to introduce a 25% tax on gas exports, arguing the nation has already missed out on $70 billion in revenue since the current government took power. Co-CEO Leanne Minshull joined Dean & Sofie on 4BC Breakfast to debunk industry threats of abandonment, highlighting that Australia loses $350,000 every ten minutes without this essential policy change.

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

Amid rising concerns over a perceived spike in bull shark numbers across Southeast Queensland, recreational fishers are calling for a relaxation of existing fishing restrictions. Bond University shark expert Dr. Daryl McPhee joined Dean & Sofie on 4BC Breakfast to discuss the anecdotal evidence, national shark bite statistics, and why a healthier marine environment might naturally lead to more shark encounters.

9News Washington correspondent Lauren Tomasi joined Dean & Sofie on 4BC Breakfast to detail a historic breakthrough as a US-Iran peace deal is finalised on President Trump's 80th birthday. The discussion outlines the logistics of the impending Swiss treaty, the economic impact on fuel and fertiliser for farmers, and lingering tensions between the US and Israel regarding strikes in Lebanon.

Brisbane lad Lachie Carter from Those Carter Boys joined Dean & Sofie on 4BC Breakfast from Canada to recap the incredible atmosphere and massive turnout of thousands of Aussie soccer fans marching to the stadium. He shared his excitement over the Socceroos' historic World Cup win against Turkey and revealed that he and his brother are heading to Seattle and San Francisco next.

Brisbane Airport is preparing for an unprecedented winter holiday rush with over two million passengers expected to pass through the terminal between Friday and July 20. Brisbane Airport’s Head of Communications, Peter Doherty, joined Dean & Sofie on 4BC Breakfast to reveal that July 10 will be the busiest day on record, driven by a surge in European summer travel, rebounding Middle East and Asian flight routes, and major layout upgrades coming to the International Terminal.

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

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

Queensland farming bodies and local councils are pushing back against proposed federal changes to disaster recovery funding, which would drop the commonwealth contribution from 64% down to 50%. Richmond Shire Mayor John Wharton joined Dean & Sofie on 4BC Breakfast to warn that the 14% funding cut will leave regional councils unable to repair infrastructure—such as his shire's $30 million in flood damage - ultimately driving up grocery prices for everyday consumers.

The Queensland Hotel Association has criticised the state's rigid licensing laws for preventing local pubs and venues from opening early to broadcast the World Cup matches. While a dedicated live site exists for fans, hospitality leaders argue that businesses are missing out on vital revenue while facing increasing overhead pressures.

A dedicated regular listener surprised the 4BC Breakfast team by winning the "Rumour of the Week" with a calculation that the station is celebrating its 35,000th day on air. To mark the massive milestone, the listener brought balloons, champagne, and cake into the studio, prompting discussions about officially declaring June 12th as "4BC Day."

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

An early morning fire has severely damaged a derelict property on Monmouth Street in Morningside, leading to a complete shutdown of the street. Five fire crews successfully extinguished the blaze, and investigators are now checking the abandoned home to ensure no squatters were inside and to determine the cause of the fire.

US President Donald Trump announced on Truth Social that he cancelled scheduled military strikes against Iran, claiming a comprehensive peace deal has been approved by all involved leadership. However, security experts and regional allies like Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu remain highly sceptical due to conflicting military actions and Trump's unpredictable social media announcements.

The Continuous Call Team's Mark Geyer joined Dean & Sofie on 4BC Breakfast to discuss a bizarre story about a fraudulent Canadian pilot before diving into a heavily depleted NRL round impacted by the State of Origin. He proposed a radical idea to slash ticket prices for fans and provided his expert tips for the upcoming weekend matches, including an emotional Souths vs. Broncos clash.

Dean & Sofie on 4BC Breakfast break down the state's strict definitions of affordable housing before Master Builders Deputy CEO Michael Hopkins joined the show to discuss a staggering 71% surge in apartment construction costs over the last three years. The conversation highlights how $186,000 of red tape per build and global supply chain pressures are stalling Queensland's ability to hit its target of 50,000 new homes per year, driving locals out of the market in favour of deep-pocketed foreign investors.

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

Dean & Sofie on 4BC Breakfast highlight "Thank a First Responder Day," an initiative led by Fortem Australia to support the mental health and well-being of first responders during and ten years post-service. Regional Director Danny Stanton explained that simple acts of community gratitude drastically boost morale for those dealing with burnout and constant natural disasters. Sergeant Luke Hedges from the Upper Mount Gravatt Police Station joined the program to share the rigorous, behind-the-scenes reality of proactive policing and tackling property crime. And Josh O'Grady, the Officer in Charge at Springwood Ambulance Station, cleared up the historical misconception between "ambulance drivers" and modern paramedics.

Legendary opera singer Jose Carreras is hosting a massive "Carreras & Friends" concert at the Gabba on December 5th to celebrate his 80th birthday, marking the venue's first major musical event since Taylor Swift in 2018. The star-studded lineup includes Robbie Williams, Ronan Keating, and Brisbane’s own band Shepherd, promising a multi-generational night of musical collaboration that coincides with a cultural push ahead of the city's future Olympic Games.

Brisbane Broncos player Ben Hunt joined Dan & Sofie on 4BC Breakfast to reflect on a close and disappointing loss to the Titans while addressing teammate Reece Walsh's visible on-field frustrations. Looking ahead to their upcoming clash in Sydney, Hunt discusses the team's undermanned squad, a special jersey auction for Jai Arrow, and how unconventional soccer training is keeping spirits high.

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

Entertainment reporter Peter Ford joined Dean & Sofie on 4BC Breakfast to discuss the highly anticipated announcement of the 2026 Logie Awards host, with Robert Irwin heavily tipped for the role over actor Patrick Brammall. The segment also highlights Brisbane's upcoming star-studded birthday celebration for opera legend Jose Carreras at the Gabba this December.

Former Olympians Mark and Tracy Stockwell have successfully acquired the historic 95-year-old Parmalat site in South Brisbane, with plans to transform it into a vibrant hub for the 2032 Olympic Games. Mark joined Dean & Sofie on 4BC Breakfast to talk about the long-term, 10-to-15-year development, which will feature dedicated venues for climbing and skateboarding, a "Walk of Champions," residential apartments, and extensive dining and entertainment options integrated with open community spaces along the Brisbane River.

A new poll revealing that Australians across all age groups feel life has significantly worsened over the past decade has sparked an emotional open-line discussion with Dean & Sofie on 4BC Breakfast.  While a travelling father shared how a pre-COVID caravan trip brought his family closer, a local caller and the hosts lamented a deep societal decline marked by youth crime, an unaccountable political system, and a growing cultural divide.

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

The federal government has blindsided Queensland councils with a surprise Friday afternoon proposal to cut its average disaster recovery funding contribution from 64% to a 50-50 split. LGAQ CEO Alison Smith joined Dean & Sofie on 4BC Breakfast to warn that because local governments already receive a tiny fraction of total tax revenue, this funding shortfall will desperately pressure councils to raise household rates or lean heavily on the state government to fill the void.

Dean & Sofie on 4BC Breakfast pay a heartfelt tribute to former Australian of the Year Professor Richard Scolyer following his passing from brain cancer at age 59. They reflect on his revolutionary skin cancer research, share an emotional archival clip of him discussing life as a cancer patient, and read from his poignant final letter emphasising love, compassion, and human connection.

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

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

Folk-rock icon Don McLean joined Dean & Sofie on 4BC Breakfast to announce his upcoming October tour in Australia, celebrating the 55th anniversary of his masterpiece "American Pie". During the interview, he discussed his deep connection to Australian fans, the 10-year mental development of his signature song, and his unique approach of performing without a setlist.

A bombshell child safety report has revealed that not a single child in Queensland's residential care has been adopted in the past seven years. Co-Founder & Director of The Be There Group and Be There Foundation, Shaan Ross-Smith, joined Dean & Sofie on 4BC Breakfast to explain that the system has become highly politicised and risk-averse, focusing more on bureaucratic "tick boxes" than on proactively placing children into stable, loving environments.

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

Tomorrow marks Queensland Day and the highly anticipated official launch of the whale watching season in the state. Captain Kerry Lopez joined Dean & Sofie on 4BC Breakfast to celebrate her 30th anniversary on the water, reflecting on the phenomenal growth of the East Coast whale population from just 100 to over 50,000.

Mark Geyer joined Dean & Sofie to warn footy fans that this upcoming NRL round is a coin-flip nightmare, with almost any team able to claim victory on the night. He started his tipping off by backing the Sea Eagles to narrowly edge out the Rabbitohs, citing key player returns for both sides. He finished with a touching tribute to Jai Arrow, highlighting his upcoming AFL coin-toss honour following a neurological wellness retreat in Spain.

Dean & Sofie on 4BC Breakfast addressed the damning findings of a 1,300-page Queensland safety inquiry report, which details systemic failures in protecting the state's most vulnerable children. They discuss the staggering lack of adoptions, the surge in underfunded or commercialised residential care, and the urgent need to pivot back to family-based intervention.

In the lead-up to Queensland Day, Dean & Sofie on 4BC Breakfast unveiled Summer Storm - the Eau De QLD, a custom unisex fragrance designed to capture the exact earthy scent of an approaching afternoon storm. Developed in collaboration with Anthony Baptista from Unique Parfum, the team blended notes of Boise, Oud Tobacco, and Dark Sand to create a uniquely local scent.

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

In celebration of the upcoming Queensland Day, Dean & Sofie on 4BC Breakfast announced the public-voted winners of the "Best of 2026" awards, highlighting local culinary icons like the Banh Mi Factory and Rody Meats. The spotlight quickly turned to Paulina Barbato, owner of Wynnum's Munja Pizza, which was officially crowned the state's best pizzeria.

Following the announcement, Dean & Sofie on 4BC Breakfast opened the lines to listeners to share their favourite hidden swimming spots around Brisbane. They joke about the crowded nature of South Bank's Streets Beach - affectionately dubbed "people soup" - and brainstorm alternative spots like Nudgee Beach and Wynnum's Pandanus Beach.