4BC Drive, live every weekday afternoon. With the latest news, 4BC will keep you updated on your drive home.
Nick Dametto joined Gary Hardgrave to discuss the massive gamble he took resigning from state parliament to run for Townsville Mayor. Hear how the bet paid off, delivering him an emphatic 63% mandate from the voters.
Why are everyday pensioners being forced through 'paperwork warfare' while the Prime Minister and public servants enjoy guaranteed defined benefits? Gary Hardgrave called out this 'systemic elder abuse' and argued for a system that treats all older Australians with dignity.
After losing his 18-year-old son in a tragic 4WD crash, a grieving father has channelled his pain into a powerful mission for change. Kent Payne explained how the Harrison Payne Initiative is fighting for mandatory off-road training before another family suffers the same loss.
An 18-year-old Englishman is so desperate to see The Ashes in Australia that he's spent four months travelling here from the UK without taking a single flight. Gary Hardgrave chatted with Tommy "Cheese Naan" Lamb from Vietnam about his 'loosely planned' 17-country journey, which included military escorts in Pakistan and a recent motorbike crash that left him with a fractured skull.
Brisbane commuters now face four daily waves of peak-hour traffic because they have to drive through the city just to get around it. Gary Hardgrave and transport engineer David Hayward discussed the four major tunnels an AI report says we need to build to finally break the gridlock.
Vyleen White's teen killer was on bail for three armed robberies when he murdered her in front of her 6-year-old granddaughter. Her husband and daughter joined Gary Hardgrave in the studio to share their story of grief and explain why they believe the justice system failed them.
They were bigger, scarier, and had a nasty habit of dropping out of the canopy. UNSW palaeontologist Professor Michael Archer has revealed the startling discovery of the world's oldest crocodilian eggshells and how it's completely changing our understanding of Australia's prehistoric beasts.
The BBC's recent editing scandal is shining a light on similar accusations facing the ABC. Senator Sarah Henderson demanded a Senate inquiry, arguing that multiple cases of alleged footage and photo doctoring show a profound breach of the public's trust in its national broadcaster.
Fifty years ago, Australia faced its greatest constitutional crisis: the dismissal of the Whitlam government. Hear former Liberal member of the House of Representatives Don Cameron, who was in Parliament House on the day, recount the extraordinary events of 1975 and the surprising behind-the-scenes moments he witnessed.
Queensland's March for Australia is cutting ties with the National Coordinating Group. Organiser Scott Challen explained that the move is to maintain a "pure" and family-friendly event, clearly separating the Queensland movement from fringe extremist ideologies that have infiltrated other national marches.
Australia's social media ban for under-16s is just one month away, yet Shadow Communications Minister Melissa McIntosh has revealed that the government still can't explain how it will work. She shared the concerning truth about whether this policy, meant to protect kids, will secretly compel Australians to use a digital ID.
RSL Queensland President Major General Stephen Day joined Gary Hardgrave to discuss why Remembrance Day has become increasingly important to a new generation. Hear how the horrors of the First World War continue to shape Australia's traditions and values a century later, and what you can do to honour their sacrifice.
CEO of the Bundaberg Fruit and Vegetable Growers, Bree Watson, joined Gary Hardgrave on 4BC Drive to discuss why Australian-made beetroot is becoming harder to find.
Today, Gary Hardgrave covered Bingo halls, the BBC Newsroom, the ATO, and the UK Royal Navy.
Paul from Manly called in to 4BC Drive to say that he thinks Subway charging for beetroot on a sandwich is simply un-Australian.
The University of Queensland research program, designed to revive the state's decimated koala population, has just hit a milestone with its first joey being born. Dr. Sean Fitzgibbon from UQ’s Koala Ecology Group joined Gary Hardgrave on 4BC to talk about how the program aims to rapidly improve the health and reproductive capacity of declining koala populations.
Geologist and Professor of Mining Geology, Ian Plimer, joined Gary Hardgrave in the studio on 4BC Drive to talk about climate change and coal power.
Gary Hardgrave reflects as today marks one year since Donald Trump was elected the 47th President of the United States. Hardgrave said on 4BC Drive, "Trump, frankly, has over the last 12 months, changed the narrative of the world. There are plenty of people who love him, and there are plenty of people who hate him. However, Americans chose him, and we have to respect their choice."
The Greens state member for Maiwar, Michael Berkman, says the Crisiafulli government is wasting our money on tax breaks for poker machine licence sales. Berkman told Gary Hardgrave on 4BC Drive, “We should ultimately be phasing out pokies from pubs and clubs across the state, rather than having them, as was said in every corner of the community.” “At the very least, the first step should be banning political donations from the gambling lobby so that our politicians start making decisions in the best interests of the communities they're supposed to represent." Berkman continued.
Shadow Communications Minister, Melissa McIntosh, joined Gary Hardgrave on 4BC Drive to discuss the Senate inquiry into the fatal triple-zero failure in September. During the interview, the Minister also revealed that she wants out of net zero, saying, "I surveyed my community and asked them that question. And 65% of people do not support net zero." "They don't like where we're going as a country. So that's what I'm saying; I'm backing my community, and I agree with you." McIntosh continued.
A woman from Ormiston has been banned from calling the Redland City Council after disputes over a $1.70 fee the council charges for paper rate notices.
Today, Gary Hardgrave covered the Bom website, Vegans in apocalypses and Halloween sweets!
The Liberal Party's highly-anticipated two-hour meeting on its Net Zero policy concluded with no decision, leading National Political Editor Michael Pachi to warn the opposition is adrift and distracted from key issues like surging inflation and electricity prices. Shadow Energy Minister Dan Tehan indicated the party will take its time, suggesting the policy position may not be ready until well into 2026.
Is a new "tourist pledge" for North Stradbroke Island a voluntary visitor promise to respect the environment, or a 'tax dressed up in another name'? State MP Amanda Stoker joined Gary Hardgrave to unpick the controversial proposal, arguing it creates new barriers and costs for a fragile local economy.
Shadow Treasurer Ted O'Brien warned that relentless government spending is driving inflation up, crushing hopes for an interest rate cut and costing the average mortgage holder an extra $1,800 a month. He argued that surging electricity prices, up 9% in one quarter, are a major factor and a sign that Australia is becoming "poorer, weaker, and more dependent."
Are the new, super-bright LED headlights on modern cars making night driving a dangerous chore? The UK government is finally commissioning research after drivers complained about being temporarily blinded, and the issue may resonate right here in Australia.
An Australian aluminium smelter, Tomago, is under threat, putting 1,000 jobs on the line due to soaring power prices. Shadow Minister for Resources Susan McDonald slammed government policy, warning the push for renewables is a "greatest act of self-harm" that's crushing vital industries.
Queensland's Education Minister, John-Paul Langbroek, responds after students were taught about the wrong Roman leader ahead of a crucial Ancient History exam. Hear what the Minister is doing to reassure stressed students and how the school system is safeguarding against high-stakes testing.
An explosive Four Corners investigation has uncovered how paedophiles are exploiting flaws in Australia's $\$22$ billion childcare system, sparking national outrage. Shadow Assistant Minister Zoe McKenzie joined us to discuss the "shattering" allegations and what Parliament is doing to close the widespread safety gaps now.
Concerns have been raised after the Department of Defence confirmed that thousands of Chinese-made electric vehicles are being stored on private land beside the RAAF base at Amberley. The founder of Strategic Analysis Australia, Michael Shoebridge, told Gary Hardgrave on 4BC Drive, "They're like a smartphone on wheels, and they're great for hoovering up information about the people in them." "Software connections mean that things that are stored and collected in the car can be transmitted back to the car manufacturer. And China has security agencies that can force their companies to cooperate with them and deny they're doing so." Shoebridge continued.
Gary Hargrave makes the case for the importance of the mining industry and why it is crucial to Brisbane's survival.
Author and comic satirist Steven Hadden joined Gary Hardgrave to discuss his new book on NRL, described as a "massive school project" that took three years to complete. Driven by passion and pride, the book covers 117 seasons of the "greatest game of all".
Today, Gary Hardgrave covered "No King" protesters, a trigger warning for a children's nursery rhyme, and appropriate nicknames for an Aussie darts player.
Telstra revealed dozens of Samsung models can't reliably connect to 000, forcing customers to upgrade or face being cut off. ACCAN CEO Carol Bennett joined Gary Hardgrave to call for a simpler, universally reliable system and a full review of the 000 system.
Australian superannuation funds have reportedly set a target to significantly increase investment in the US to $1.4 trillion. Small business advocate Amanda Rose joined Gary Hardgrave to discuss the agreement, which was reportedly kept secret and not openly discussed by the Australian PM.
Gary Hardgrave was joined by Shadow Energy Minister Dan Tehan to discuss the $2.5 billion Net Zero project, which aims to be powered by renewable energy. The Shadow Energy Minister raised his concerns and wants justice for taxpayers.
Lead vocalist of Boom Crash Opera Dale Ryder joined Gary Hrdgrave to celebrate the band's 40th anniversary. The band is set to play all their hits and "hits and misses" at the Koala Tavern in Capalaba.
All five Australian mainland capital cities rank in the top 15 most expensive real estate markets globally. Gary Hardgrave discussed the report about the real estate markets, focusing on policy failures in energy, infrastructure, and migration.
Shadow Education Minister Julian Leeser joined Gary Hardgrave to argue that a strong education system is vital for Australia's success. They focused on the decline of British heritage taught in schools, curriculum balance, and addressed the skilled trades shortage.
Federal Member for Wide Bay, Llew O'Brien, says pursuing net zero by 2050 is a "die in the ditch issue" that betrays the core principles of the National Party and is leading to economic futility. He warned Gary Hardgrave that if the party mandates the 2050 target, it will represent a fundamental policy shift that means he "probably doesn’t belong in it anymore."
While Kevin Rudd positioned himself as a key player, the success of the critical minerals deal may be thanks to a different influential Australian with a direct line to Trump: Dr. Gina Rinehart AO. Trump relies heavily on these personal relationships, making Rudd's diminished role and subsequent apology for past comments a huge public blow.
Shadow Immigration Minister Paul Scarr joined Gary Hardgrave on 4BC Drive to discuss his concerns with the federal government’s immigration program.
Senator Pauline Hanson confirmed that she has welcomed Nationals MP Barnaby Joyce to join One Nation, amid speculation that he might make the shift. Hanson told Gary Hardgrave on 4BC Drive, "I was well aware that Barnaby is not happy with the National Party. He's basically been sidelined to the backbench, and they don't want anything to do with him." "We're saying, hey, we've got a better way of doing things, and I want more people like Barnaby to come on the team with One Nation and have the fight." Hanson continued.
Today, Gary Hardgrave covered National Pronoun Day, safe spaces from Halloween decorations and UK flags.
A planned development could bring 10,000 new residents to West End, but no one's planned for the children. The West End State School P&C President warns that their already overcrowded school, with 1,500 students, is nearing crisis capacity and future expansion plans are non-existent.
Federal opposition leader Sussan Ley joined Gary Hardgrave in Queensland to support the Daniel Morcombe Foundation and discuss migration, housing, and the overall state of the LNP.
Sixteen-year-old Brisbane pilot Byron Waller, who lives with Crohn's disease, has landed back home after flying a single-engine plane around the world to raise funds for the Queensland Children's Hospital. He joined Gary Hardgrave to talk about his incredible two-month, 20,000-nautical-mile journey, and how he navigated global events to complete his mission.
Queensland Attorney-General Deb Frecklington joined Gary Hardgrave to explain her decision to appeal the sentence of a convicted child-sex offender in Cairns, calling it "manifestly inadequate." The Attorney-General believed it was essential to challenge soft sentences to ensure they meet community expectations, and a recent successful appeal sets a crucial new precedent.
Attorney-General Deb Frecklington successfully appealed the "manifestly inadequate" original sentence for the teen who violently attacked Chris Sanders, resulting in an 18-month detention and the recording of convictions. Sanders joined Gary Hardgrave to explain how this crucial step restores faith in the legal system, ensuring that the offender's record will now follow him into adult court for future crimes.
Gary Hardgrave critiqued the current government's cautious approach and its failure to deliver the change that Queensland needs.
