4BC Mornings - Highlights

While the double-digit price hikes of previous years have slowed, KPMG’s Scott Guse explained why "stabilisation" still means your premiums will climb alongside inflation.  Learn why your home and car insurance are unlikely to ever see a price drop, and what "normalisation" actually looks like for the average household budget.

The teen who murdered 70-year-old grandmother Vyleen White has failed in his bid to reduce his 16-year sentence. After his lawyers argued the punishment was "manifestly excessive," the appeals court just ruled that the original sentence for the brutal 2024 shopping centre stabbing will stand.

After discovering that desecrating the national symbol isn't currently a specific crime, Robbie Katter has introduced a private member's bill to mandate tough penalties. He joined the show to explain why a "slap on the wrist" fine isn't enough and why our leaders need more bravery to protect national unity.

Ahead of Anzac Day, two widows of Australian Defence Force veterans joined Jason Matthews on 4CB Mornings to share the heartbreaking reality of their partners' post-service mental health struggles and tragic passing. They highlight how the community at Legacy Brisbane has helped them rebuild their lives and form lasting bonds between their grieving children.

OzHarvest’s 2026 frontline report reveals a grim "cost of surviving" crisis, with double-income households and mortgage holders seeking food relief for the first time. Charities are buckling under the unprecedented demand, turning away one in five people as surging fuel and grocery prices make basic necessities like fruit and vegetables unaffordable.

Jason Matthews on 4BC Mornings welcomed poet Rupert McCall to discuss the enduring legacy of Anzac Day and the importance of passing the remembrance torch to younger generations. Rupert then delivered a deeply moving live recitation of his poem, inspired by his grandfather's service and his own experience performing at Gallipoli.

In the lead-up to Anzac Day, Jason Matthews on 4BC Mornings speaks with Kylee, a proud mother whose 18-year-old daughter recently enlisted in the Royal Australian Navy. The emotional segment highlights the teenager's lifelong dream of serving her country and her upcoming milestone of marching in her first Anzac Day parade in Melbourne.

As the mainland housing crisis pushes property prices out of reach, buyers are flocking to Macleay Island for three-bedroom homes averaging just $619,000. With 50-cent ferries, cheap golf memberships, and a tight-knit community, residents are trading city convenience for an affordable, relaxed island lifestyle.

Jason Matthews on 4BC Mornings and National Seniors Australia CEO Chris Grice discuss a recent RBA survey showing an uptick in cash usage, highlighting its critical role as a backup for regional areas facing ongoing bank closures. The conversation then pivots to praise a new federal mandate that stops aged care providers from charging extra for essential personal care, a move expected to significantly reduce hospital admissions.

As Australians face skyrocketing energy and living costs, a proposed 25% tax on gas exports is gaining traction as a potential solution. However, with both major political parties swiftly shutting down the idea, voters are left wondering who Canberra is really protecting.

Ahead of Anzac Day, Australian Army veteran Ben Ariel joined Jason Matthews on 4BC Mornings to recount his 12-year military career, from joining as a lost young bartender to commanding a Bushmaster in Afghanistan. He openly discussed the immense pressure of the frontlines, the challenges of transitioning back to civilian life, and why he still strongly encourages young Australians to serve.

The Queensland Tourism Industry Council is demanding immediate state and federal intervention to combat a fuel crisis that threatens to wipe nearly $1 billion from the local economy. With some businesses already planning to close, tourism advocates argue that consumer fear over fuel availability is devastating regional towns right at the start of their peak season.

Jason Matthews on 4BC Mornings expressed his outrage following an alleged violent mugging of a woman by two 12-year-old children in Ashgrove. He criticised the current justice system as being too soft and demanded harsher deterrents to prevent escalating youth crime across the city.

New research from the Australia Institute reveals that Japan collects more tax on imported Australian gas than the Australian government makes from exporting it. Ahead of a Senate inquiry, experts and politicians are pushing for a flat 25% export tax to stop multinational companies from using accounting loopholes and to raise an estimated $17 billion annually for the budget.

Former British paratroop commander Mike Shervington joined Jason Matthews on 4BC Mornings to reflect on his 23-year military career, sharing candid stories about his hatred of parachuting and the deep camaraderie he found fighting alongside Aussie troops. Ahead of Anzac Day, he also opens up about the jarring "Shawshank Redemption" experience of transitioning to civilian life and how rediscovering his core values gave him a new purpose.

Body language expert Jordana Borensztajn joined Jason Matthews on 4BC Mornings and explained how our subconscious physical cues, like posture and eye contact, often speak louder than words in business and politics. She broke down the dos and don'ts of modern professional greetings, cautioning against inappropriate hugs and explaining how to execute the perfect, confident handshake.

Queensland plumbers are grappling with soaring material costs, with PVC pipe prices jumping up to 55% due to Middle East supply chain disruptions and panic buying. As a result, consumers face significantly higher bills for renovations and maintenance while contractors struggle to absorb the massive losses on existing fixed-price jobs.

Despite climbing power bills and a biting cost-of-living crisis, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's poll numbers are surprisingly edging higher. Jason Matthews on 4BC Mornings argued that Labor’s success is a "holding pattern" driven by a splintered conservative opposition and favourable media coverage, rather than by genuine voter enthusiasm.

Emmanuel City Mission founder Roby Curtis is walking 2,500km in just 60 days, travelling from South Brisbane to Alice Springs to combat homelessness in South East Queensland. Roby joined Jason Matthews on 4BC Mornings live from the road to discuss his incredible morning pace, the emotional toll of leaving his seven children, and how listeners can help him reach his $1 million goal.

As the US-Iran ceasefire nears its Wednesday expiration, escalating maritime hostilities in the Strait of Hormuz have cast heavy doubt on future peace talks. Professor Shahram Akbarzadeh joined Jason Matthews on 4BC Mornings to explain how shifting US goalposts and power struggles are stalling negotiations and driving up global petrol prices.

New research reveals that three-quarters of Australians are turning their backs on traditional burials due to skyrocketing costs and changing preferences. Reterniti founder Peter Russell explained to Jason Matthews on 4BC Mornings why cremations, ash scattering, and alternative memorials are becoming the new norm.

A Loganlea couple attacked in their own yard by an axe-wielding neighbour are speaking out after a judge handed down what they call a devastatingly lenient sentence. Victims 1st Advocate Lyndy Atkinson joined Jason Matthews on 4BC Morning to condemn the shockingly short parole eligibility period, highlighting the enduring trauma faced by the victims and a justice system she says prioritises offenders.

Former tennis champion Todd Woodbridge joined Jason Matthews on 4BC Mornings to discuss his unexpected and highly successful transition into hosting Channel Nine's Tipping Point. The duo dived into the show's cross-generational appeal before Woodbridge flawlessly aces a live audio trivia game featuring fellow tennis stars.

ACT Independent Senator David Pocock joined Jason Matthews on 4BC Mornings to outline his push for a 25% revenue tax on Australia's gas exports, arguing the current system is fleecing taxpayers. The wide-ranging interview also covered the need for long-term fuel security, finding constructive solutions to the housing crisis over anti-migrant rhetoric, and the necessity of a complete ban on gambling advertisements.

Norths Rugby Club in Wavell Heights has been broken into and vandalised for three consecutive nights by a group of up to 20 youths, some seemingly as young as primary school age. Club Director Phil Mooney joined Jason Matthews on 4BC Mornings to express his frustration over the brazen attacks, which included setting fires and stealing stock, and questioned the whereabouts of the perpetrators' parents.

Brisbane commuters have faced weeks of transit chaos due to infrastructure projects and industrial action, leading to massive delays and frustration. Despite the severe disruptions, Transport Minister Brent Mickelberg has refused to apologise, instead deflecting blame and alienating the public.

Self-care and ergonomics expert Dr. Liz Kirk joined Jason Matthews on 4BC Mornings to debunk outdated posture myths and explain why sitting perfectly straight isn't the answer to workplace back pain. Instead, she revealed that breaking up long stretches of sitting and embracing everyday movement is the true key to a healthy spine.

On Youth Homelessness Matters Day, Queensland Housing Minister Sam O'Connor joined Jason Matthews on 4BC Mornings to announce plans for new 'Youth Foyers' in Ipswich and Chermside to provide secure, subsidised housing for young people engaged in education or employment.  The segment also tackled the state's broader housing crisis, with O'Connor defending the removal of private developer mandates and addressing the recent mould-damaged modular housing debacle in Cairns.

The IMF is warning of a looming global recession fuelled by the Middle East conflict, placing intense pressure on the Albanese government to rein in spending ahead of the May budget. Nine Radio Federal Politics Editor, Michael Pachi, joined Jason Matthews on 4BC Mornings to discuss how balancing essential cuts with cost-of-living relief will dictate Australia's economic survival over the coming months.

Jason Matthews on 4BC Mornings takes aim at the Greens and the Labor party for their immediate backlash to a newly proposed migration and housing strategy championed by Angus Taylor. Emphasising the struggle of young Australian families to enter the property market, the discussion questions why non-citizens are permitted to purchase homes amid a dire supply shortage.

One Nation Leader Pauline Hanson joined Jason Matthews on 4BC Mornings to address a recent parliamentary IT data leak and defend her proposal to overhaul gas exploration taxes to build an Australian wealth fund. She also opened up about the difficult decision to find suitable candidates before announcing her participation in an unfiltered 4BC voter roundtable.

The Coalition has unveiled a tough new immigration policy aimed at enforcing strict "Australian values" tests and stripping non-citizens of taxpayer-funded perks. Shadow Minister Jonno Duniam joined Jason Matthews on 4BC Mornings to confirm plans to ban permanent residents from the first home buyer scheme and block visa holders from accessing legal aid.

Emmanuel City Mission's Roby Curtis is undertaking a 60-day, 2,500km walk from Brisbane to Alice Springs to raise $1 million for homelessness services. The funds will allow the charity's Night Sanctuary to expand from operating one night a week to a full seven days, providing crucial beds, meals, and showers for rough sleepers.

Did NASA actually send four astronauts around the moon, or was the $3 billion Artemis II mission an elaborate hoax? Cosmologist Brad Tucker joined Jason Matthews on 4BC Mornings to break down the engineering behind the spacecraft's re-entry to convince a doubting radio host that the mission was real, successful, and scientifically ground-breaking.

Geopolitical expert John Berry joined Jason Matthews on 4BC Mornings to unpack the collapse of the US-Iran peace talks and the looming US Navy blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. They explored how this conflict will hit Australian wallets, prompting desperate government fuel-saving campaigns and fierce calls for national self-sufficiency.

Jason Matthews on 4BC Mornings and political advertising expert Toby Ralph blast the government's new $20 million fuel-saving ad campaign as a massive waste of taxpayer money. Toby argued the campaign is a calculated blame-shifting tactic designed to cover up the government's long-term failure to secure Australia's fuel supply.

With Australia’s diesel reserves sitting at a precarious 17 days, a massive new oil discovery 4.5 hours west of Brisbane is being hailed as the key to national fuel independence. Natural Resources Minister Dale Last joined the show to discuss fast-tracking the project and his plan to mandate that this oil stays in Australia for Australians.

As the Orion spacecraft prepares for a high-stakes splashdown off the coast of California tomorrow, experts warn that the heat shield will face temperatures half as hot as the sun. Space guru Astro Dave explained the experimental "bounce method" reentry and why micrometeorites might make building a permanent moon base harder than we thought.

As David Crisafulli nears 18 months as Premier, we’re checking the stats on his signature youth crime crackdown to see if he’s meeting his own strict KPIs. From national media pressure to permanent 50-cent fares, we weigh up whether the government is hitting its stride or just hitting speed bumps.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has just announced a major government intervention to underwrite fuel giants Ampol and Viva, allowing them to outbid other nations for emergency "spot cargo" shipments. While the move aims to fix the diesel shortage hitting 32 Queensland stations, questions are being raised about whether taxpayers are signing an open chequebook for sky-high prices at the bowser.

Tech entrepreneur and veteran Steve Baxter warned that Australia’s current defence budget is failing to keep pace with global instability and the high cost of nuclear submarines. He revealed why a billion-dollar boost for local "sovereign" tech, from Geelong-made autopilots to secret space cameras, is the only way the nation can truly protect itself.

After two fishermen were left stranded 40km off Stradbroke Island with an engine full of water, experts are warning that running your fuel tank low is a recipe for disaster. Marine Care QLD’s Alan Riesenweber joined Ben to explain how fuel shortages and sediment buildup are turning a cheap "fill-up" into a multi-thousand-dollar repair bill.

The 140-year-old Blackstone United Football Club refused to let "stupid" Easter Sunday destruction sideline them, rallying the community to repair fields shredded by hoons. After neighbours chased off the vandals and rival clubs donated soil, committee member Dominic Potter explained why this resilient, privately-owned club is still serving up the best bacon and egg rolls in Ipswich.

As a deadline that threatened the very existence of a civilisation passes, a fragile two-week ceasefire has been brokered to open the Strait of Hormuz. Geopolitical expert Neil Fergus joined us to explain why this "victory" claimed by both sides remains a terrifying tightrope walk for global security.

Criminal lawyer Sam Macedone broke down why the war crime charges against Ben Roberts-Smith are a legal mountain to climb compared to his recent defamation loss. Discover why a lack of physical evidence in Afghanistan and the high bar of "beyond a reasonable doubt" could make a conviction nearly impossible.

Queensland remains the only Australian state without a legally designated nudist beach, sparking a renewed push from the Queensland Naturist Association. President Rachel Freeman joined Ben Davis on 4BC Mornings to argue that legalising clothing-optional beaches like A Bay at Noosa would remove societal stigma and bring hundreds of thousands of dollars in untapped tourism revenue.

Queensland Hotels Association CEO Bernie Hogan joined Ben Davis on 4BC Mornings to highlight the blatant hypocrisy of Good Friday drinking restrictions that apply to local pubs but completely exempt government-owned stadiums. The discussion advocates for prioritising consumer choice and economic certainty for hospitality venues currently struggling with strict rules and triple-time penalty rates.

Brisbane Racing Club CEO Karl De Kroo joined Ben Davis on 4BC Mornings to discuss the delicate balance the government must strike with upcoming gambling ad restrictions. While acknowledging that betting advertisements became excessively intrusive during the pandemic, he highlighted that these proposed bans could devastate the billion-dollar racing industry and the thousands of jobs it supports.

At Innisfail's Feast of the Senses Festival, a rare, spiky fruit known as Durio graveolens shocked radio hosts by selling for a staggering $200. Gareth Hamilton Foster, president of the Cassowary Coast Rare Fruits Association, joined Ben Davis on 4BC Mornings to unpack the wild world of fruit hunters paying hundreds of dollars for single pieces of produce.

Economist Leith van Onselen joined Ben Davis on 4BC Mornings to warn that the government's recent $0.26 fuel excise cut will artificially boost demand during a critical global supply shortage. This policy, combined with ongoing Middle East tensions, risks crippling Australia's agriculture and transport sectors with diesel shortages, potentially sparking a recession.