The very best from Sofie Formica on 4BC Breakfast this week.

The Albanese government is considering a radical intervention to act as a bulk buyer of natural gas, reselling it at a discount to prevent manufacturing closures. Financial Expert Scott Phillips joined Sofie Formica on 4BC Breakfast to criticise the move as a disguised subsidy that burdens taxpayers without solving the long-term supply shortage.

Productivity Expert from This Productive Australia, Matt Cowdroy, joined Sofie Formica on 4BC Breakfast to discuss the common drop in workplace focus as the summer holidays approach. He offers practical strategies, such as creating a "second brain" through detailed lists, to help employees manage their tasks.

Olympian Cate Campbell joined Sofie Formica on 4BC Breakfast to discuss he newly unveiled Brisbane 2032 slogan, "Believe, Belong, Become". She emphasises that this announcement marks a pivotal shift from the consultation phase to the physical delivery and execution of the Games.

The Australian government is preparing to overhaul the NDIS by mid-2026, replacing human discretion with computer-generated funding plans to manage spiralling costs. UNSW Associate Professor Georgia van Toorn joined Sofie Formica on 4BC Breakfast to talk about the risks of favouring the algorithm.

Sirius XM host Ryan Sampson joined Sofie Formica on 4BC Breakfast for our US Report. The segment shifts from serious legal news regarding Matthew Perry’s death to a humorous closer involving a raccoon found passed out in a liquor store.

RACQ economics specialist Dr. Ian Jeffreys joined Sofie Formica to reveal that while Brisbane fuel prices have peaked at over $2.20, they are expected to drop by roughly 20 cents just before Christmas. He also identifies specific "cheap fuel clusters" in Brisbane's north and south where drivers can still find unleaded for around $1.70.

Brisbane's own Loren Hunter joined Sofie Formica on 4BC Breakfast to discuss her role as the lead in Sweet Charity at the QPAC this December. The interview highlights the intense ten-day rehearsal process and the unique energy that Brisbane audiences bring to live theatre.

Greens Senator Barbara Pocock joined Sofie Formica on 4bC Breakfast to criticise the Bureau of Meteorology for a massive budget blowout. She argues that the disaster highlights an urgent need to rebuild in-house public sector capabilities rather than relying on external firms that use predatory pricing tactics.

After an elderly woman was left stranded at a petrol station unable to pay with cash, Financial Journalist Jason Bryce joined Sofie Formica on 4BC Breakfast to investigate the current status of legal tender in Australia. It's been revealed that while new mandates are coming in 2026, they exclude critical retailers like pharmacies.

It's been revealed that Australian politicians continue to utilise fax machines. Tech Expert Leigh Stark joined Sofie Formica on 4BC Breakfast to explain that it's primarily because they are significantly more difficult to intercept than standard emails.

Youngcare Ambassador Sylvia Jeffreys joined Sofie Formica on 4BC Breakfast to discuss the charity's 20th anniversary and its critical mission to move young people with disabilities out of aged care. The conversation highlights the urgent need for public donations to fund purpose-built housing and essential equipment grants.

The very best from Luke Bradnam on 4BC Breakfast this week.

Former cricketer Michael Kasprowicz joined Luke Bradnam on 4BC Breakfast to celebrate his induction into the Queensland Sporting Hall of Fame. Looking ahead to the Gabba Test, he reveals plans to attend Day 3 dressed as a "pink stormtrooper" to raise awareness for men's mental health.

Surf Life Saving Queensland has issued a critical warning after ten people have drowned since August. Regional Operations Manager of Surf Life Saving Queensland, Nathan Fife, joined Luke Bradnam on 4BC Breakfast to express his concern that swimmers are vastly underestimating the surf and overestimating their fitness.

Following a week of severe storms resulting in over 33,000 insurance claims, Deputy CEO of the Insurance Council of Australia, Kylie McFarlane, joined Luke Bradnam on 4BC Breakfast. She warns South East Queensland residents to be vigilant against "disaster chasers" offering unsolicited repairs.

The Australian PGA Championship is underway. PGA of Australia Senior Writer Tony Webeck joined Luke Bradnam on 4BC Breakfast to talk about the tournament.

Mark Bouris joined Luke Bradnam on 4BC Breakfast to argue for a universal 20% flat tax rate, claiming it will incentivise entrepreneurs to reinvest in their businesses and boost Australia's lagging productivity. He warns that without this economic shift, low productivity will continue to drive up inflation and interest rates, hurting mortgage holders and renters alike.

Dolphins CEO Terry Reader joined Luke Bradnam on 4BC breakfast to give an optimistic update on the club. It was revealed that Dolphins membership numbers are up by 1,000 compared to this time last year.

CEO of Gilmour Space Technologies, Adam Gilmour, joined Luke Bradnam on 4BC Breakfast to talk about his dreams of launching Australia's first homegrown rocket into orbit. Despite the high risks and costs, Adam Gilmour reveals his long-term vision is to establish a human city on the Moon.

Senator Pauline Hanson joined Luke Bradnam on 4BC Breakfast to defend her decision to wear a burqa in the Senate. She characterised it as a necessary protest after her Private Member's Bill to ban full-face coverings was denied a formal introduction.

South East Queensland is bracing for a potential repeat of severe thunderstorms bringing damaging winds and hail. Energex warns that while thousands have been reconnected, residents in the worst-hit northern suburbs should prepare to be without power for at least another day or two.

Director of Colliers, Dan Collins, joined Luke Bradnam on 4BC Breakfast to discuss the outrageous revelation that the Brisbane City Council paid $46,000 to replace a single tap. They explore how labour shortages, red tape, and government taxes have driven the cost of preparing a standard block of land in South East Queensland to over $180,000.

The very best from Luke Bradnam on 4BC Breakfast this week.

Netball legend Gretel Baeta joined Luke Bradnam on 4BC Breakfast to discuss "Fire Five," a revolutionary five-a-side netball format launching on the Gold Coast. Designed to be the "T20 of netball," the game features faster play, shooting centers, and significant prize money to modernize the sport.

As thousands of teenagers descend on the Gold Coast for Schoolies, boxing legend Danny Green joined Luke Bradnam on 4BC Breakfast to urge teens to look out for their mates. Danny highlights the success of his "Coward Punch" campaign and shares new statistics regarding youth violence in Queensland.

Meta has announced a surprise acceleration of its social media ban for under-16s, shifting the start date to December 4th. Dr. Susan Grantham from Griffith University joined Luke Bradnam on 4BC Breakfast warns that rather than stopping usage, this prohibition will likely drive teenagers toward potentially dangerous corners of the internet.

Illegal offshore gambling is growing at two and a half times the rate of the legal market, stripping $3.9 billion annually from the Australian economy. CEO of Responsible Wagering Australia, Kai Cantwell, joined Luke Bradnam on 4BC Breakfast to highlight that 50% of Australians are using illegal offshore sites.

Veteran commentator Tim Lane joined Luke Bradnam on 4BC Breakfast to preview a highly anticipated Ashes series. He warns that England’s express pace bowling makes this contest far from a certainty for Australia.

Organised crime now controls 50% of Australian tobacco sales and nearly all vape sales, with the illicit nicotine market worth more than several major illegal drugs combined. Criminology Expert from Deakin University Dr. James Martin joined Luke Bradnam on 4BC Breakfast to suggest Australia stop endorsing organised crime and address the public health disaster.

Education Minister John Paul-Langbroek joined Luke Bradnam on 4BC Breakfast to discuss the Queensland Teachers Union's 24-hour strike scheduled for next Tuesday. He confirms that the government's best and final offer has been rejected, prompting them to push for arbitration to resolve the dispute.

Founder of Fonzie Abbott, Dan Pappas, joined Luke Bradnam on 4BC Breakfast to celebrate winning "Queensland's Best Coffee Spot" in the 2025 Cityu Awards. Despite the celebration, the conversation highlights the challenges of the industry, noting that rising raw material costs haven't yet been fully passed on to the consumer.

Queensland homeowners are being urged to complete renovations within the next year before massive Olympic infrastructure projects absorb the majority of the state's tradespeople. Real Estate Editor at News Corp Elizabeth Tilley joined Luke Bradnam on 4BC Breakfast to warn that once government contracts ramp up in 2026, private renovation costs will skyrocket.

Former Test cricketer Jason Gillespie joined Luke Bradnam on 4BC Breakfast ahead of the first test in the Ashes series. The conversation highlights the potential historic milestone of fielding two Indigenous players in the same Test match and explores why cricket has struggled to match football codes in Indigenous engagement.

Almost 50 high-end Toyotas, Land Cruisers and RAV4s have been stolen in Brisbane in the last three weeks, with thieves using a device to hack the cars. RACQ’s Principal Technical Researcher, Andrew Kirk joined Luke Bradnam on 4BC Breakfast to explain how and what you can do to ensure your car is safe.

Thousands of school leavers are about to descend on the Gold Coast for the biggest party of their lives. Founder and Director of Red Frogs Australia Andy Gourley joined Luke Bradnam on 4BC Breakfast to discuss how they are planning ahead of Schoolies.

The US has lifted its 10% tariff on Australian beef, a move welcomed by the Australian meat industry. Managing director of the Meat and Livestock Australia, Michael Crowley, joined Luke Bradnam on 4BC Breakfast to warn that strong global demand and rising production costs mean domestic Australian consumers should not expect meat prices to drop anytime soon.

The very best from Luke Bradnam on 4BC Breakfast this week.

Queensland police officer Jade Henderson joined Luke Bradnam on 4BC Breakfast to talk about breaking the Guinness World Record for the most pull-ups in one hour, completing an incredible 733 reps. She discusses the training required, the exact rules of the attempt, and how she is dealing with online trolls.

The Australian Antarctic Program is urgently recruiting for around 300 roles for the 2026-2027 season, offering salaries up to $\$200,000$ per year plus significant allowances, but the catch is a challenging 5 to 14-month stay in Antarctica. AAD Director of Expeditioner Services Gina Woodward joined Luke Bradnam on 4BC Breakfast to talk about the experience.

Former Sunrise host and current Economic Director at Compare the Market, David Koch, joined Luke Bradnam on 4BC Breakfast to offer insights on Westpac's home loan rate increase. Koshy predicts that expected interest rate cuts are now unlikely due to persistent inflation and robust job growth.

Australian music icon Joe Camilleri of The Black Sorrows joined Luke Bradnam on 4BC Breakfast to discuss his passion for performing. He shares a glimpse into his daily musical discipline, which includes practising the saxophone, piano, and guitar.

Founder of the Indigenous Marathon Foundation Rob de Castella joined Luke Bradnam on 4BC Breakfast a week after the New York City marathon. The conversation focuses on the program's massive impact, which has grown from four runners in 2010 to turning 12 young people annually into marathon finishers.  

A Brisbane charity, The Good Box, which delivers 35,000 care packages annually to people experiencing homelessness, is facing closure just weeks before Christmas. The Good Box Co-Founder Madelyn Gurowski joined Luke Bradnam on 4BC Breakfast to issue an urgent appeal for community donations.

Griffith Behavioural Ecologist Professor Darryl Jones joined Luke Bradnam on 4BC Breakfast to discuss the surprising and thriving ecosystem present right in the Brisbane CBD. He uses the example of the adaptable Ibis to illustrate how these animals utilise the city's unique environment to their advantage.

Dr Karl joined Luke Bradnam on 4BC Breakfast to discuss the science of aging and why a significant decline in metabolism around the mid-40s exacerbates the effects of alcohol. The discussion outlines a later immune system decline in the mid-60s, which leaves older individuals vulnerable to illnesses

Managing Director of Urban Consultancy Firm Urbis James Tuma joined Luke Bradnam on 4BC Breakfast to argue that South East Queensland should be rebranded with a new name, not necessarily Brisbane. The aim is to unify the region and maximise its economic potential, especially ahead of the 2032 Olympic Games.

A new Business Report Card reveals Queensland has the second-most inflexible retail trading hours in Australia. Business, Retail and Consumer Expert from Griffith University Graeme Hughes joined Luke Bradnam on 4BC Breakfast to warn that while flexibility is needed, the laws must be balanced to prevent big players like Coles and Woolworths from using market power to knock out smaller, independent businesses.

A Facebook post over the weekend has claimed to have captured a crocodile floating in the Brisbane River at Newstead. Charlie Manolis, the chair of the IUCN Crocodile Specialist group and a Brisbane resident, joined Luke Bradnam on 4BC Breakfast to explain whether or not this could have actually been a crocodile.

Broncos superstar Payne Haas is on contract at Red Hill until the end of next year, but despite the club offering him a big extension he could still defect to rebel Rugby Union competition R360 for a significantly larger payday. Courier Mail Rugby League writer Peter Badel joined Luke Bradnam on 4BC Breakfast to discuss the rumours.