4BC Drive with Gary Hardgrave - Highlights

From influencers discovering saving to woke job titles, join Gary to laugh at the world of woke!

Queensland is set to lead the charge in solving the nation's energy woes with a massive new gas exploration project spanning 7,000 square kilometres. Natural Resources Minister Dale Last joined Gary to explain how this expansion will drive down power bills and why the southern states are looking to the Sunshine State to keep the lights on.

A "hidden" trigger in wage agreements is handing a salary bump to a quarter of a million public servants as inflation bites across the state. Gary and Richard French dive into why this "cost of living" bonus smells like a rat to struggling Queenslanders.

With polling placing One Nation at a staggering 25% in some regions, the National Party faces an existential wipeout that could redraw the map of Australian politics. Former Liberal campaign VP Graham Young joined Gary Hardgrave to discuss whether the "normalisation" of Pauline Hanson will force the Coalition into an unthinkable alliance.

A beloved Toowoomba family has been granted a last-minute reprieve just hours before they were set to be deported from the country they’ve called home for 16 years. Jason Matthews reported live from the family’s restaurant as a new bridging visa offers a glimmer of hope for these local community pillars.

The parents of 19-year-old Piper James are travelling from Canada to the shores of K’gari for a traditional smoking ceremony to honour their daughter’s life. After a confusing and "dreadful" week, new details emerge about Piper’s lifelong dream of visiting Australia and the heartbreaking legacy she leaves behind.

Is the heart of Brisbane beating fast enough?  In this session of the Ministry of Common Sense, local PR expert Lyall Mercer joined Gary Hardgrave to argue that while cities like Singapore and New York thrive at midnight, the Brisbane CBD is "dead" by 9:00 PM.

Federal Member for Flynn Colin Boyce revealed his plan to move a "reboot" spill motion against David Littleproud to save the National Party from what he calls "political suicide." He warned that splitting from the Coalition agreement will decimate the party’s Senate seats and funding, leaving them powerless against the rise of One Nation.

The LNP is moving to scrap compulsory preferential voting, a move that could fundamentally shift the balance of power across the state. From lifting developer donation bans to redrawing the electoral map, Gary and Georgia Kondek dive into how these reforms might impact the 2028 election and beyond.

Australia's pristine, disease-free feral camels are being transformed into a world-class dairy resource that offers a life-changing solution for those with severe milk intolerances. Discover how Summerland Camels is bypassing traditional banks to crowdfund a historic expansion into the massive US market.

The Queensland Reds have pulled off a major coup by signing veteran Kiwi coach Vern Cotter to a two-year deal starting in 2027. CEO Dave Hanham joined Gary Hardgrave to explain why the former Scotland and Fiji boss is the perfect "heavyweight" to chase silverware after Les Kiss moves to the Wallabies.

Following a heated Invasion Day protest, Deputy Mayor Fiona Cunningham called for flag burning to be made illegal to stop "inciting hatred." 

A 600-home lifestyle village in Redland Bay has hit a federal roadblock to protect 20 hectares of vital koala and glider habitat. Find out if Stockland’s conservation plan is enough to save the project before the February 9 public consultation deadline.

Despite facing hardware sabotage and being blacklisted by national cinema chains, the creators of the controversial "Super Progressive Movie" are launching their satire directly to the people this Australia Day. 

Shadow Communications Minister Melissa McIntosh joined Gary Hardgrave to condemn a controversial ABC segment featuring children in white hoods, while addressing growing calls to reform the national broadcaster's charter. 

From dodging the woke mob to getting fined for littering a leaf, the Wokey Pokey is back for 2026!

Organiser Scott Challen revealed how he’s preparing 500kg of sausages and a high-profile speaker lineup for Monday’s patriotic celebration in Brisbane. He joined the show to discuss the fight for national unity, the housing crisis, and why he’s determined to bring back the “Uber proud” Aussie spirit of the 80s.

A storm is brewing in the North as Education Minister John-Paul Langbroek slammed James Cook University over reports of a "quiet" name change. Hear why the State Government is vowing to block the move and why the Premier was left "blindsided" by his own alma mater.

After weeks of government resistance, a Royal Commission into the Bondi terror attack has been fast-tracked, but experts warn it may be more about optics than answers. Policy analyst Dr Scott Prasser joined Gary Hardgrave to reveal why the inquiry’s tight 12-month timeline and single-commissioner setup could prevent the public from ever learning the full truth about radicalisation and immigration failures.

Federal Member for Wide Bay Llew O’Brien joined the program to explain why he broke ranks to vote against controversial new legislation he labels a "disgraceful" attack on free speech. He revealed the internal friction that led to a Coalition split, arguing that the Liberal Party’s support for the bill is a gift to a failing Prime Minister.

Jason Steinberg explained how simple acts of kindness are the ultimate weapon against the "darkness" of the December 14 attacks. Steinberg shared how you can participate in this national day of mourning by turning grief into a powerful, positive "mitzvah" for your neighbour.

Nearly two-thirds of parents say digital habits are making the school jump harder, but the solution might be simpler than you think. Deidre Brandner explained how to pivot from "mindless scrolling" to purposeful tech use before the first bell rings next Tuesday.

As North Queensland is drenched once again, barrister and author David Topp joined Gary Hardgrave to explain why building new dams like the infamous Wolfdene is now a political and financial impossibility. 

A shocking study has revealed that 100% of tested Australian tattoo inks contain toxic metals that would be completely illegal in Europe. Dr. Jake Violi discussed the potential health risks and the surprising reason why laser removal might actually help your body absorb these dangerous chemicals.

As Queensland grapples with a massive housing deficit, the State Government has officially moved to abolish the CFMEU-backed "Best Practice Industry Conditions" (BPIC) to slash red tape and boost productivity.  Hear why officials claimed this policy "ground the state to a halt" and what the changes mean for the future of construction across the region.

In the wake of recent national tragedies, Chris Garnaut joined Gary to discuss why the need for community belonging has never been more urgent. Hear how local shopping centres from Gladstone to Townsville are reclaiming Australia Day with sausage sizzles, flags, and a record-breaking "buzz" that the critics can't ignore.

Stop paying a premium for "perfect" produce and discover the business delivering farm-fresh fruit that supermarkets refuse to sell. Founder Kamran Kasaei-Nejad explained how you can support local farmers and save big just by embracing an "ugly" banana.

Australia is mourning the "engine room" of Midnight Oil, founding member Rob Hirst, who has passed away following a heroic three-year battle with pancreatic cancer. Music guru and personal friend of Hirst, Sean Sennett, joined the show to celebrate the life of the legendary drummer and songwriter, sharing intimate stories of the curiosity and ferocity that fuelled the band's most iconic anthems.

Robbie Katter slammed the federal government’s proposed firearms crackdown, arguing it targets law-abiding farmers instead of the criminals and terrorists who ignore the law. He explained why a national buyback won't improve community safety and called for a refocus on illegal imports at our borders.

Opposition Leader Jared Cassidy revealed why he believes the LNP’s 20-year grip on Brisbane is slipping and why he's considering a run for Lord Mayor. He argued that basic services like road maintenance and bin collection are failing while the current administration focuses on "mini-state government" vanity projects.

Did you know one of Brisbane's busiest thoroughfares was named after a treacherous swamp that allegedly swallowed a horse-drawn carriage whole? Historian Jack Sim joined the program to launch our new series, The Streets of Brisbane, revealed the surprising reason why local politicians were desperate to scrub the "Boggo" name from the map in 1905.

UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has joined European leaders in condemning the latest U.S. tariff threats as a violation of sovereignty. Discover why Denmark is dismissing "imminent threat" claims from the White House while bolstering its own Arctic security.

Senator Pauline Hanson joined the program from the steps of Parliament House after being barred from entering the Senate chamber for today's condolence motions.  She revealed the message she was forced to have read by a colleague and why she believes the Prime Minister is actively silencing her voice.

Dr. Alan Patching joined Bend Davis on 4BC Summer Drive to provide a reassuring yet firm reality check on Brisbane’s Olympic infrastructure progress, noting that while the timeline is tight, it is achievable if construction begins by mid-2026. He emphasised that the goal isn't just finishing for the opening ceremony, but having a full year of "test events" to ensure security and transport systems are flawless.

Brisbane Heat star Matt Renshaw revealed the hilarious "mind games" Marnus Labuschagne used to dismantle Hobart and breaks down his own game-saving heroics on the boundary. With a high-stakes clash against Steve Smith’s Sixers looming, find out why he believes this squad is hitting its peak at exactly the right time.

Mayor Nick Dametto doesn't hold back on the city’s biggest challenge, detailing the urgent legislative changes needed to support police on the front lines. He discussed the reality of public safety and the "back-to-basics" approach he’s taking to steady the ship.

The Nationals leader warned that new hate speech laws could criminalise everyday political debate while ignoring the "extreme Islamic ideology" he claimed is the real threat. He argued that the government needs to be more prescriptive to stop Australia from turning into a "nanny state."

Dr. Alan Patching delivered the world’s largest Olympic stadium on time and on budget, but he warned that Brisbane is currently facing a "vertical" climb in construction costs. Find out why the next six months are the most critical milestone for the Victoria Park project and what happens if we miss the deadline.

For less than the cost of a suburban block of land, you could own a 12-bedroom hotel and a slice of Queensland mining history. Michael Philpott from Tourism Brokers joined us to explain why this Collinsville "fixer-upper" is the ultimate opportunity for anyone looking to ditch the city for a "pub change."

Discover the secrets of Australia's wettest region as Mayor Teresa Millwood revealed what it’s really like to live among World Heritage wonders and "dangerous" birds. From record-breaking rainfall to the truth about cassowary encounters, this is a fascinating look at life in the tropical north.

Federal Environment Minister Murray Watt explained why he ruled that preliminary drilling at Victoria Park doesn’t pose an "immediate threat" to Indigenous heritage sites. He detailed the discovery of significant burial grounds and how a new federal mediator plans to balance Olympic progress with cultural preservation.

After years of advocacy, Mayor Francis Murray revealed that the "Triple B" towns are finally ticking the biggest box on their wishlist. Discover how this historic road sealing project will transform life in the 95,000-square-kilometre Diamantina Shire.

That "clean" tea towel might be doing more harm than good, and your favourite wooden chopping board could be harbouring a hidden bacterial secret. Food safety expert Associate Professor Julian Cox revealed the common kitchen habits that would fail a professional health inspection and explained the simple changes you need to make to keep your family safe.

Clermont resident Todd Holmes described the harrowing reality of the "worst floods in living memory" as he prepares his own heavy machinery to help neighbours dig out from the silt. From life-saving helicopter rescues to comparisons with the town's tragic 1916 history, hear how this resilient community is banding together to survive the aftermath.

After a tough 2025 marked by mine closures, a massive new copper project and a signed rescue package are set to transform the North West. Mayor Peta MacRae joined the program to explain why the region’s mineral reserves are once again the backbone of the local economy.

From the Gold Coast to Townsville, hospitality venues are reporting a surge in fake "pineapples" and $100 bills being slipped into tills during busy shifts.  Publican Richard Deery explained why new staff and low-light environments are being targeted, and why the loss of these high-value notes hits small business owners twice as hard.

With record-breaking poll numbers and major party abandonment, political scientist Paul Williams revealed whether we are witnessing the end of Australia's traditional power balance. He shared how "soft voters" are trading the majors for Pauline Hanson in a move that could redefine the next election.

It’s a region the size of Victoria, yet residents are still looking at the sky to predict the rain. Mayor Ben Hall explained the "staggering" reality of living without a weather radar and why the "heel of Queensland" is fighting for 21st-century tech.

Fed up with Queensland’s Hall of Fame currently only existing as a digital file, legendary sportswriter Crash Craddock reveals his passionate vision to give the 2032 Olympic centrepiece a much-needed "soul." 

When record flooding hit Winton while the Crackup Sisters were away on tour, the local community mobilised to save their home and iconic outback stage.  Hear Amanda-Lyn Pearson share the heartwarming story of how a town gave back to the performers who have spent 17 years making them laugh.