4BC Breakfast - Highlights

Health Minister Tim Nicholls is facing intense criticism for refusing to launch a formal inquiry into the Toowoomba Hospital birthing unit despite reports of infant death and permanent injury. Advocates argued that the government is hiding behind "official channels" and red tape to avoid accountability for a systemic pattern of medical negligence and obstetric violence.

Robbie Katter joined Jason Matthews on 4BC Summer Breakfast to discuss the "pathetic" response of the Federal Government to North Queensland's flooding. They specifically target the lack of reliable BoM data and the financial burden placed on small councils.

Motoring Journalist Trent Nikolic joined Jason Matthews on 4BC Summer Breakfast to warn that the federal government's push for cleaner cars ignores the practical limitations of current EV technology for towing and long-distance travel. He suggests that instead of refreshing the national fleet, the rising costs of new vehicles will likely force Australians to hold onto older, less efficient cars for longer.

Virgin Australia is introducing strict new carry-on restrictions starting February 2nd to address chronic flight delays and safety concerns during turbulence. UniSQ Aviation Expert Tash Heap joined Jason Matthews on 4BC Summer Breakfast to explain that the move follows a global trend to reclaim cabin space and streamline the boarding process.

Cloncurry Mayor Greg Campbell joined Jason Matthews on 4BC Summer Breakfast to discuss the immense loss of livestock and the isolation of Gulf communities following record rainfall and flooding. He emphasised the need for federal investment in functional rain gauges and new dams to secure the region’s economic future.

Mackay Mayor Greg Williamson joined Jason Matthews on 4BC Summer Breakfast to emphasise that North Queensland must move beyond simple repairs toward "building back better" to ensure long-term resilience. He argued that federal funding must prioritise raising bridges and roads above flood levels rather than just replacing damaged assets.

Geopolitics expert Jon Berry joined Jason Matthews on 4BC Summer Breakfast to discuss how the shifting balance of global power and the erosion of international "rules" are creating a more volatile and unpredictable world. He explains that these overseas tensions have direct consequences for Australians, ranging from higher costs of living to increased social unrest.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has officially declared January 22 as a National Day of Mourning to honour the victims of the Bondi tragedy. Simultaneously, the government confirmed that Kevin Rudd will conclude his term as Australia’s Ambassador to the United States in March 2026.

Health Minister Tim Nicholls is under fire after disturbing medical failures at Toowoomba Hospital, including infant deaths and surgical errors, came to light. AMA Queensland President Dr. Nick Yim joined Jason Matthews on 4BC Summer Breakfast to explore the root causes of hospital dysfunction, such as workforce shortages and poor management culture.

9News Weatherman Gary Youngberry joined Jason Matthews on 4BC Summer Breakfast to discuss the devastating rainfall and flooding triggered by Cyclone Koji in North Queensland. Gary explained that while the wind was less severe than feared, the slow-moving system is delivering a massive "rain bomb" that is now tracking deep into the Queensland inland.  

Following a poll showing One Nation’s support has tripled to 21%, Pauline Hanson joined Jason Matthews on 4BC Summer Breakfast to discuss the growing disenfranchisement of Australian voters. She argues that both Labor and the Coalition have failed on the economy, immigration, and rural support, leaving a leadership vacuum that her party is now filling.

Heidi Murphy from 3AW joined Jason Matthews on 4BC Summer Breakfast to cover the grim reality of the Victorian bushfires. The bushfire has claimed at least one life near the town of Goba and destroyed hundreds of buildings.

There is an alarming 10% to 20% probability that artificial intelligence will lead to human extinction within the next three decades. Dr. Michael Noetel from UQ joined Jason Matthews on 4BC Summer Breakfast to argue that without international treaties similar to nuclear agreements, we are racing toward a technological cliff.

Josh Frydenberg joined Jason Matthews on 4BC Summer Breakfast to discuss the Prime Minister’s decision to finally launch a Royal Commission into the Bondi terror attack after 25 days of silence. The Former Federal Treasurer emphasised that while the Jewish community has been the primary target, the rise of Islamic State-inspired extremism represents a fundamental threat to the safety of all Australians.

Thomas Hinterdorfer from Higgins Storm Chasing joined Jason Matthews on 4BC Summer Breakfast to discuss a looming weather system expected to bring 200–400mm of rain to North Queensland this weekend. He explains the team's philosophy of prioritising short-term accuracy over long-range sensationalism to prevent unnecessary community panic.

In a significant policy shift, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced a Royal Commission into anti-Semitism and social cohesion, a move the government had previously dismissed as unnecessary. 9News Political Reporter Charles Croucher joined Jason Matthews on 4BC Summer Breakfast to discuss whether this inquiry will truly address systemic issues like online radicalisation and migration-linked hate.

There is a growing crisis in Brisbane where residents are experiencing weeks, and sometimes months, of missed recycling and waste collections. Council Opposition Leader Jared Cassidy joined Jason Matthews on 4BC Summer Breakfast to argue that the Council is failing its most basic duty to ratepayers by failing to hold contractors accountable for these service lapses.

Nationals Senator Matt Canavan joined Jason Matthews on 4BC Summer Breakfast to critique Energy Minister Chris Bowen’s claims about renewable energy. He further discusses the necessity of a Royal Commission into recent security events and defends the use of parliamentary accommodation allowances for politician-owned properties in Canberra.

Ros joined Jason Matthews on 4BC Summer Breakfast to detail her 36-week struggle to get the Brisbane City Council to honour an "in-home" recycling service for her parents in their 90s.  Despite 18 phone calls and clear evidence of service failure, the Council continues to offer generic excuses while the yellow bins remain full.

9 News weatherman Garry Youngberry joined Jason Matthews on 4BC Summer Breakfast to give an update on a tropical low forming off the North Queensland coast following a monsoon that has already claimed 16,000 cattle.

Federal Minister Kristy McBain joined Jason Matthews on 4BC Summer Breakfast to discuss a new $11.5 million funding package for the flood-damaged Cloncurry Airport and broader support for North-West Queensland. The interview also touches on the intense public pressure for a Royal Commission into the recent Bondi Beach attack and the role of social media in radicalisation.

Author and podcaster Titus O'Reilly joined Jason Matthews on 4BC Summer Breakfast to discuss the surprising and often humorous origins of the Ashes. He explains how the physical trophy started as a joke gift in a Melbourne mansion before being elevated to legendary status by Don Bradman in the 1930s.

Following a dramatic US military extraction, Nicolás Maduro has pleaded not guilty to narco-terrorism charges in a New York court while maintaining his claim to the presidency. Simultaneously, the Trump administration has threatened a "second wave" of airstrikes if the newly sworn-in interim government in Caracas fails to comply with US demands.

Following devastating floods and the loss of 16,000 cattle, Cloncurry Mayor Greg Campbell joined Jason Matthews on 4BC Summer Breakfast as he prepares to meet with the Prime Minister to secure $15 million in overdue funding for the local airport. The discussion highlights the critical role of the North West in the state's economy and the urgent need for infrastructure repairs to ensure regional connectivity.

60 of Australia's most prominent athletes, including Steven Bradbury and Ian Thorpe, have signed an open letter calling for a Royal Commission into anti-Semitism. Olympic champion Steven Bradbury joined Jason Matthews on 4BC Summer Breakfast to explain his decision to join a coalition of sporting stars demanding stronger government action following the Bondi Beach tragedy and recent protests.

Auctioneer and Principal of Place One Group, Sam Kelso, joined Jason Matthews on 4BC Summer Breakfast to deconstruct AI-driven property predictions, arguing that data trends cannot replace the emotional "feel" of a live auction.  While sceptical of AI’s interest rate forecasts, he remains bullish on Brisbane’s growth due to massive interstate migration and housing shortages.

Chair of Australian Repair Network, Professor Leanne Wiseman, joined Jason Matthews on 4BC Summer Breakfast to explore the frustrating reality of "planned obsolescence". She explains how manufacturers use software locks and cheap components to discourage repairs, forcing consumers into a cycle of constant replacement.

A group of masked individuals paralyzed traffic on the Gateway Bridge just before midnight on New Year's Eve to perform dangerous burnouts and set off fireworks. Superintendent Michael Hogan joined Jason Matthews on 4BC Summer Breakfast to express his frustration with "foolish" hoon activity that blocked motorists for 15 minutes.

Lee Hames from Lloyds Auctions joined Jason Matthews on 4BC Summer Breakfast to talk about the rare sale of Sir Donald Bradman’s "pristine" baggy green cap. The auction, currently over $300,000, is expected to potentially reach $1 million by its Australia Day closing.

After receiving an entire year's worth of rainfall in just 72 hours, Cloncurry faces severe isolation and significant infrastructure damage.  Mayor Greg Campbell joined Jason Matthews on 4BC Summer Breakfast to highlight the critical failure of the local airport and expressed frustration over long-delayed federal funding that could have mitigated the crisis.

4BC Step Outside host Paul Burt joined Jason Matthews on 4BC Summer Breakfast to discuss the reality of the monsoonal wet season in North Queensland. They touch on the technicalities of summer storms and the exceptional surfing conditions currently hitting the coast.

Professional Nutritionist Jemma O'Hanlon joined Jason Matthews on 4BC Summer Breakfast to debunk the myths surrounding modern milk trends and the supposed "dangers" of full cream dairy. She provides a science-based look at why traditional milk remains a nutritional powerhouse compared to popular, highly processed alternatives.

Dale Norris from Skyliner Fireworks joined Jason Matthews on 4BC Summer Breakfast to he massive logistical effort required to launch 100,000 pyrotechnic effects from six barges along the Brisbane River. The conversation highlights the transition from manual "firecrackers" to a high-tech, computer-controlled "City of Dreams" theme celebrating the city’s future.

While Southeast Queensland enjoys a calm New Year’s Eve, the North is facing life-threatening flash floods and isolated communities. SES officials are warning residents to stay vigilant as rainfall totals are expected to exceed 200mm in some areas.

TEDxSydney Founder Remo Guiffré joined Jason Matthews on 4BC Summer Breakfast to explore a variety of bizarre and charming New Year’s traditions from around the world. They highlight how these unique cultural rituals provide a sense of identity and fun that Australia’s standard fireworks display might be missing.

Sarah Orr from Compare the Market joined Jason Matthews on 4BC Summer Breakfast to explain why "loyalty" to an insurance provider often results in higher premiums compared to new customer deals. They discuss practical ways to negotiate, the hidden costs of paying monthly, and how to audit your policy for irrelevant coverage.

Jason Matthews on 4BC Summer Breakfast was shocked upon discovering that public urination and drunkenness were decriminalised in Queensland in 2023. He calls on Premier David Crisafulli to reinstate these laws while simultaneously launching a mock-serious campaign to bring back plastic straws in 2026.

Social media expert Nicole Jameson joined Jason Matthews on 4BC Summer Breakfast to discuss the hidden dangers of "sharenting" and how seemingly innocent holiday photos can lead to bullying or data scraping. She argues that fostering digital literacy within the family is more effective than relying on government bans or simple privacy filters.

9News Weatherman Garry Youngberry joined Jason Matthews on 4BC Summer Breakfast to predict a temporary heat spike on New Year’s Eve as winds turn northerly. However, the first days of 2026 are expected to bring a return to cooler temperatures and scattered showers across the region.

Frustration is growing as Brisbane residents face thousands of missed bin collections, particularly in the Acacia Ridge area. The discussion highlights a systemic problem where Brisbane City Council’s "marketing fodder" clashes with the reality of 12,000 complaints in just five months.

Quilpie Shire Mayor Ben Hall joined Jason Matthews on 4BC Summer Breakfast to discuss the Bureau of Meteorology's decision to delay the installation of a critical weather radar in South West Queensland until 2028.  Despite securing $10 million in federal funding following devastating floods, the region faces several more years of "flying blind" during severe storm seasons.

With road fatalities hitting a 16-year high, Chief Superintendent Mark Wheeler joined Jason Matthews to discuss why police are still catching thousands of speeding and impaired drivers during the holiday season.

Think you're getting the best deal of the year today? Associate Professor Park Thaichon revealed why those "70% off" tags might be misleading and how "dynamic pricing" could actually see you paying more than the person next to you.

While many of us prepare to feast with family, thousands across Brisbane and the coast are facing Christmas in tents. Jason Matthews goes into why this December 25th is a call to slow down, remember the Bondi tragedy, and proudly reclaim the spirit of "Merry Christmas."

While most of us are finishing our shopping, a massive fleet of local volunteers is currently hitting the road to ensure 900 vulnerable families don't go hungry this Christmas. Micah Projects is celebrating 30 years by delivering fresh food and over 1,000 toys to those doing it tough in hotels and homes across the city.  

From Bunnings aisles to aged care, older Australians are ditching the quiet life to rejoin the workforce in record numbers. Dr. Jennifer Luke explained why financial pressure, a need for routine, and the search for a "sense of purpose" are driving this festive hiring boom.

Former ABC board member Joe Gersh pulls no punches, accusing the national broadcaster of fuelling anti-Semitism through a narrative of "malice and incompetence" following the Bondi attacks. From Laura Tingle’s controversial claims to Sarah Ferguson’s "insulting" questioning of Josh Frydenberg, we break down why critics say the ABC leadership has gone missing in action.

Australia has retained the Ashes in record-breaking time, and Queensland legend Ryan Harris joins the show to dismantle the "stupid" pre-series comments from Stuart Broad and Piers Morgan.

With the PM’s popularity dropping 15 points, Jason Matthews labelled his leadership "appalling" and suggested he looks to David Crisafulli for tips on how to lead a nation in crisis.  

From the ongoing "Is Die Hard a Christmas movie?" debate to the 3.5-hour endurance test of the new Avatar, film expert Dr. Darryl Sparkes joined Jason Matthews to settle your holiday viewing disputes.