4BC Drive - Highlights

Icehouse frontman Iva Davies revealed why the iconic Australian rock group maintains a strict no-alcohol policy before taking the stage. Hear the hilarious reason why he refuses to have even a single drink while performing live for thousands of fans!

Brisbane’s iconic city markets are officially expanding into Friday nights, bringing gourmet street eats, live entertainment, and artisan stalls to the CBD starting September 25th. Market coordinator Grace Vlcek joined Carla to reveal how this massive upgrade will breathe fresh energy and affordable after-work fun back into Queen Street Mall.

4BC Drive listeners were quick to react after Senator Pauline Hanson said domestic violence can be a "two-way street" during an interview with Gary Hardgrave.  Carla Bignasca and callers, including a veteran domestic violence worker, debate whether Hanson's controversial comments trivialise Australia's ongoing crisis.

Following another weekend rescue on Mount Tibrogargan, calls are mounting to permanently ban climbing on the Glass House Mountains. Save Our Summits President Mark Hendrickx joined Carla to explain why closing the peaks is a "ridiculous concept" and to share the simple safety fixes that could save lives instead.

After nearly five decades of hard work, 61-year-old Debbie Simpson logged into her account to find her entire $139,000 retirement fund had vanished overnight due to a collapsed superannuation scheme. Now working two jobs just to rebuild her future, she shared her devastating story and the crucial warning every Australian needs to hear before it's too late.

Seventeen years after her daughter Haley was killed by a drunk driver, Local Hero award recipient Judy Lindsay continued to take her heartbreaking message directly to young people and courtrooms. She exposed how major sporting codes repeatedly ignore her offers to educate young players, leaving fans and aspiring athletes with a dangerous lack of real-world consequences.

With the 2032 Olympics less than six years away, Queensland is staring down a massive shortfall of nearly 100,000 workers needed to build the state's infrastructure pipeline. Master Builders Queensland Deputy CEO Michael Hopkins joined Carla program to discuss how cutting red tape and leveraging skilled migration are the only ways to deliver the Games on time.

Brisbane is making sporting history this October by hosting the Senior Football World Cup, featuring the first-ever over-80s division. Listen in as Aussie "Oldyroos" legend David Mudge explained how he keeps his world-record fitness alive through daily activity and clean eating.

A Brisbane clothing label's new policy gives parents of kids under 12 an extra two weeks of paid leave to combat the "motherhood penalty," but it's sparking intense workplace debate. While supporting parents sounds great on paper, does granting special entitlements to one group inherently create a second-class group of resentful employees?

The Wokey Pokey is our weekly opportunity to laugh at the world of woke that is slowly taking over...  Because if you don’t laugh - you cry.

A Marsden resident recounts the terrifying moment a car crashed into his home and details his family's subsequent struggle against a sudden eviction notice while caring for his terminally ill wife.

Gary explains why Australia’s complex, means-tested pension feels like a bureaucratic trap compared to New Zealand’s simple, universal retirement system.

The Kokoda challenge will kick off tomorrow at the Gold Coast Hinterland, honouring our ANZAC's and raising funds for the Kokoda Youth Foundation. 

Former AFL player Courtney Alder and ex-Wallangaroo Hilisha Samoa reveal what it takes to trade code for pads as they gear up to represent Team World on American football's biggest stage in Canton, Ohio.  Hear how these Queensland powerhouses are taking on international tackle football and why they want local recruits to join them on the field.

With home and car insurance premiums skyrocketing well past the inflation rate, loyal customers are bearing the financial brunt. Finance expert David Koch joined Gary to reveal how taking just 15 minutes to shop around can save you hundreds on your annual bill.

Comiskey Group Director Rob Comiskey joined Gary live from Eatons Hill Hotel to explain why he dumped TAB betting facilities across seven major South East Queensland pubs. He revealed how unfair contract terms forced his hand and why he believes the wider Queensland racing industry will ultimately pay the price.

As domestic violence deaths tragically continue to rise across Australia, a heated political war has erupted over an apparent $40 million funding cut to state prevention services. Listen to the full 4BC Drive News Deep Dive to hear the Minister defend the budget changes against fierce backlash from the Opposition and community advocates.

A new report reveals that pushing toward net zero could send electricity costs soaring by up to 55% after 2030. IPA Research Fellow Saxon Davidson joined Gary Hardgrave to break down why abandoning these targets for reliable coal might be the only way to save your wallet.

The Prime Minister has announced a brand new national framework and a dedicated Office of AI to tackle the massive, rapid rise of generative technology. University of Queensland expert Professor Shazia Sadiq joined Gary to break down whether these safeguards will protect local creators or just hold back innovation.

Drivers in Southeast Queensland are being urged to boycott expensive service stations as fuel giants attempt to sneakily resurrect the dreaded price cycle, pushing some local prices up by 30 cents a litre overnight. RACQ expert Dr Ian Jeffreys joined Gary to reveal how motorists can fight back using simple market forces before another massive government tax hike hits next month.

Horrifying details have emerged regarding the alleged abuse of over 130 children by a Sydney childcare worker, sparking urgent calls for national safety reforms. Shadow Education Minister Julian Leeser joined Gary to demand immediate government action on "banned in one, banned in all" jurisdiction rules and tougher employment laws to protect vulnerable kids.

A peaceful school day turned into a major police investigation after an alleged midday stabbing between two teenage boys known to each other. Listen to the full segment to hear how school staff immediately contained the threat and what is being done to support traumatised witnesses.

Every street has a past, but what happened in Cannon Hill 69 years ago is almost too terrifying to stomach. Discover how a community's kindness took a catastrophic turn in this gripping look at Brisbane's criminal history.

Entertainment reporter Peter Ford joined Gary to react to the devastating and unexpected passing of iconic actor Sir Sam Neill at age 78. Discover why Ford was left completely flawed by the sudden news, alongside a look back at Neill’s extraordinary career, down-to-earth charm, and his final days.

Queensland Police have already seized over 100 illegal e-mobility devices and issued hundreds of fines just days after introducing strict new crackdown laws. Assistant Commissioner Rhys Wildman joined Gary to reveal the jaw-dropping statistics and the massive fines facing parents whose children break the rules.

Sidelined by a severe fly-half injury crisis that knocked out Carter Gordon and Ben Donaldson, the Wallabies are turning to Cairns-born debutant Declan Meredith for their sold-out clash against France at Suncorp Stadium. This high-stakes match marks a crucial turn in the new Nations Championship, where a disrupted Australian side must defend their historic undefeated home streak against the fierce Six Nations champions.

The Wokey Pokey is our weekly opportunity to laugh at the world of woke that is slowly taking over...  Because if you don’t laugh - you cry.

Western Downs Mayor Andrew Smith joined Gary Hardgrave on 4BC Drive to discuss the massive economic potential of the Turoom Trough energy project while warning that local infrastructure is completely unprepared for the impending boom. He explicitly demands that the state and federal governments step up with long-overdue funding for regional roads, housing, and bulk water projects to ensure the community can survive and thrive.

While everyday Australians struggle through a severe cost-of-living crisis, the federal government is launching a massive $650,000 grants program to fly selected climate activists and attendees over to Turkey for the COP 31 conference. Shadow Minister for Scrutiny of Government Waste Tony Pasin joined Gary to slam the "vanity project," arguing that taxpayer funds should be redirected to regional communities instead of funding international travel.

From skyrocketing inflation to an exploding public sector, Gary's scathing critique warned that Australia is trapped in an "economic sugar coma" fueled by reckless government spending.  Hear the full breakdown on why our current path draws terrifying parallels to the collapse of the Soviet Union and the urgent changes needed to save the economy.

As Brisbane’s massive Toowong development undergoes a major design overhaul, critics worry about escalating traffic chaos while advocates argue it is the key to smarter urban living. YIMBY Queensland co-founder Natalie Rayment joined Gary to explain why adding diverse housing near major transit hubs is exactly how our suburbs need to evolve.

When a massive network failure ground public transport, EFTPOS systems, and millions of mobile users to a halt today, many were left wondering how the nation's largest telco could suddenly drop off the grid. Tech expert Leigh Stark broke down the software glitch behind the chaos, revealed a quick 3-second trick to restore your signal, and explained why an urgent official investigation is on the horizon.

As Prime Minister Anthony Albanese finalised a landmark security agreement in Fiji, Beijing countered with a stunning long-range ballistic missile launch that sent shockwaves through the region. Shadow Minister for Defence Senator James Paterson joined Gary to break down why the Albanese government’s initial response missed the mark and what this escalatory move means for Australia's defence readiness.

Financial expert Olivia Maragna joined Gary Hardgrave to explain why July is the ultimate time to hit the reset button on your money and stop letting hidden spending leakages derail your future. Learn how a simple "cash hub" strategy and the latest superannuation changes can help you take control of your lifestyle expenses and start training for a comfortable retirement.

Is Australia’s traditional "quiet confidence" leaving new migrants confused about our national identity? Gary tackles why we need to ditch political correctness, embrace loud patriotism, and rally around one flag to prevent the country from fracturing into separate tribes.

Social media makes fly-in, fly-out mining jobs look like a glamorous, high-paying holiday, but the gruelling reality of extreme isolation and 12-hour shifts is catching young workers completely off guard. Itch Recruitment’s Jodie Perram joined Gary to expose the "FIFO-fluencer" myths and reveal why these massive paychecks come with a high physical and mental cost.

Queensland’s world-class coal industry is taking a massive hit as global competitors quietly step in to steal our market share. Gary Hardgrave and Queensland Resources Council CEO Janette Hewson break down why local production has plummeted by 40 million tons, and why Russia and Mongolia are laughing all the way to the bank.

Following the Premier's weekend announcement of mandatory jail time for youth offenders who breach bail, grieving husband Victor White and Lindy Atkinson from Victims First share their raw, emotional reactions to the crackdown. Hear why they believe the justice system has favoured criminals for too long and the powerful message they have for critics warning of overcrowded detention centres.

The Normanby Hotel has announced it will remain open for a massive 21-hour stretch from 10:00AM today until 7:00AM tomorrow to broadcast the Socceroos' 4:00AM World Cup match against Egypt. Assistant Manager Billy Ingham Myers joined Cate Campbell on 4BC Drive to reveal the venue will feature a continuous line-up of major sports, including Wimbledon and the Broncos, while welcoming late-night crowds and families alike.

The number of Queensland families unable to pay their electricity bills has almost doubled since last year, pushing 40,000 residents onto energy hardship plans. Queensland Council for Social Service CEO Amy McVeigh joined Cat Campbell on 4BC Drive to expose the heart breaking reality that one in six Australian children now live in poverty, urging the government to implement a comprehensive families strategy to scale up vital community support systems.

Tasmania's viral 1,000kg elephant seal, Neil, has taken the internet by storm, but experts warn his playfulness with cars and fences could soon escalate into serious property destruction. Dr. Jane Younger joined Cate Campbell on 4BC Drive to explain that because Neil was anomalously born away from his sub-Antarctic colony, he views humans and objects as wrestling partners, posing a massive safety risk that could ultimately endanger his own life if the public doesn't keep its distance.

Australia's multibillion-dollar agricultural industry is facing a massive threat as destructive Varroa mites push bee colonies to the brink of collapse. University of the Sunshine Coast researcher Volker Herzig revealed how he "milked" thousands of spiders to find a fascinating, targeted venom toxin that destroys the mites while keeping bees and humans completely safe.

Aussie swimming has a new distance king, and he’s rewriting the record books faster than Ian Thorpe and Grant Hackett. Listen to world champion Sam Short break down his historic four-event sweep at the trials and the gruelling 70km-a-week training grind, fuelled by a burning desire to keep getting faster.

The term "coward punch" successfully changed how Australians view unprovoked assaults, so why are we still using the soft, cozy word "domestic" to describe horrific acts of violence? This powerful segment challenges the media and society to rebrand domestic violence with terms like "intimate terror" to truly reflect the horror victims face.

As nation-leading e-scooter and e-bike restrictions kick off across Queensland today, police have already nabbed their first offender just minutes past midnight. Queensland Police Minister Dan Purdie joined Cate Campbell to break down the heavy new fines, upcoming licensing rules, and exactly when officers will seize and destroy illegal devices.

Former Queensland Premier Campbell Newman is facing fierce backlash after slamming the decision to build the Olympic stadium at Victoria Park. Is he raising legitimate engineering and safety concerns, or is this just a classic case of an ex-politician trying to stay relevant?

From a lack of Hollywood-style tax offsets to younger crowds swapping expensive, polished Broadway musicals for edgy independent theatre, the arts sector is facing a massive generational and legislative hurdle. Hear why peak bodies are heading to Canberra to demand the industry be saved.

As Telstra prepares to shut down a 50-year-old remote phone network, Mayor Shaun "Zorro" Radnedge warned that a major flaw in the new satellite system could leave residents stranded during power outages.  Hear why regional communities feel the cost of staying connected is being shifted directly onto them.

Despite a world-first ban, a staggering 80% of under-16s are still finding ways to access social media platforms. Dr. Matthew Stevens joined Cate Campbell to explain how tech companies are failing to enforce the rules and what must change to protect adolescent well-being.

A new study revealed that high school students are independently using AI to supercharge their learning by turning class notes into personalised podcasts and flashcards. Hear La Trobe University’s Professor Miriam Tanti explained why educators need to bring this technology out of the shadows before kids bypass the "hard thinking" altogether.