Best of 4BC Breakfast with Sofie Formica, December 1st-5th, 2025

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

Optus admits 'critical failure' after leaving senior stranded after lightning strike

An Optus executive joined Gary Hardgrave to explain why a vulnerable grandmother was subjected to rigorous ID checks and long wait times while her phone lines were down.  Hear the company's explanation for the error and the new promises they are making to protect elderly customers.

How a 14-year-old schoolboy easily bypassed ‘strict’ age verification scanners

A 14-year-old Adelaide student has already humiliated the government’s incoming social media ban by tricking facial recognition software into thinking he was a 25-year-old adult. The IPA's John Roskam explained why this "slapdash" policy is technologically impossible to enforce and why Australian…

Tom Steinfort on what moments have defined Australian History

From the Cronulla Riots to the Lindt Café siege, Tom Steinfort joined Carla Bignasca to discuss the defining moments that have shaped our nation in the new series Events That Changed Australia. He opened up about his own experiences on the frontline of history, including the day he witnessed the "…

The seven-year mission to predict monster hailstorms in South East Queensland

After a week of supercell destruction, a new project is deploying high-tech "hail plates" to finally crack the code on forecasting giant hail. UQ’s Matthew Mason explained how this data could revolutionise roof design and why he needs you to store storm debris in your freezer.

Australian retailers push for facial recognition to combat crime crisis

Facing a surge in abuse against staff, the Australian Retailers Association is advocating for facial recognition technology to identify repeat offenders in real-time. The Chief Industry Affairs Officer for the Australian Retailers Association, Fleur Brown, joined David Salmon to advocate for this …

Merit vs. Mateship: Report confirms worst fears about Federal appointments

Senator David Pocock has criticised the federal government for refusing to legislate independent assessment panels or cooling-off periods for ministers, the government is failing to end the culture of "jobs for mates". Credibility Expert Dr. Neryl East joined David Salmon on 4BC Mornings to warn t…

Gas market shakeup: Government eyes bulk buying to save manufacturers

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 taxpaye…

Beating the holiday slump: How to maintain focus in December

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 …

Family surprises Peter Psaltis in studio for emotional final broadcast

Listen to the heartwarming moment the family celebrates Salty's journey from producer to presenter.