Mornings with Mark Levy - Highlights

Opposition Leader Angus Taylor has shared well wishes in the wake of a 'targeted attack' on Independent MP Helen Haines, while calling on law enforcement to act strongly.  Pressed on comments made by Liberal MP Angie Bell about 'stoning' the Prime Minister, Mr Taylor tells Mark Levy it was appropriate that Ms Bell withdraw the comments.

The Invasive Species Council and NSW Agriculture Minister Tara Moriarty share concerns that Red Imported Fire Ants found at a Sydney Logistics Centre may have been there for up to 12 months.  Conceding to Mark Levy that his concerns earlier this month were warranted, Minister Moriarty says she is doing everything she can to keep these pests out of New South Wales.  Jack Gough, CEO of the Invasive Species Council says he is wary of the delays in responding to the ants, but has faith in the Department of Primary Industries in managing the outbreak. 

The State Treasurer says their policy to assist small businesses in managing federal tax changes is a common sense approach. Asked if there's tension with the Federal Government over funding and tax changes, Mr Mookhey says he did not want to politicise the issue.  On the Opposition's plan to build new Metros, the Treasurer believes the party would be forced to privatise more assets. 

Corrections Minister Anoulack Chanthivong has confirmed to Mark Levy that new technology trials will be undertaken this year, to prevent drones from dropping contraband into state prisons. The Minister also responded to claims that the Goulburn Mayor was banned from an open day at Goulburn's correction facility - claiming he did not know why she would have been turned away. 

Mark Levy has called out the State Government's Agriculture Minister for delays in alerting the public to an infestation of fire ants at a Sydney port.  Nationals Leader Gurmesh Singh shared his concerns with management of ants with Mark, before Tara Moriarty called in to defend her response. In the heated interview, Ms Moriarty accused Mark Levy of working in concert with the Nationals - something he said he 'would not cop'. 

Former Liberal MP Josh Frydenberg joined Mark Levy to discuss his new book, 'A Grateful Son', talking about his life and lengthy political career. Mr Frydenberg told Mark that John Howard was an inspiration for him, in his political life.  On a possible return to politics, the former Treasurer said he will make a decision on his future with his family some time next year. 

After Mark Levy took aim at the Federal Government for not removing Veterans Affairs Minister Matt Keogh sooner, former Prime Minister Tony Abbott has called for him to step down.  The Minister is in charge of the department which sent an invitation to an anniversary event to a soldier who died in action 18 years ago.  On the possibility of former Member for Kooyong Josh Frydenberg returning to parliament, Mr Abbott said it was 'up to Josh'.   

The Deputy Leader of the Liberal Party says she'd welcome Josh Frydenberg back into the Liberal Party, if he chose to run in the seat of Kooyong at the next federal election. Jane Hume told Mark Levy that the leader has a 'big brain' that the party would love to utlise, under a future Taylor Government.

On Friday The Australian reported that Aussie music stars including Amy Shark and Peking Duck would perform as part of a tribute to Jai Arrow, after a Grand Final entertainment deal with Tones and I spectacularly collapsed.  But as the big dance looms comments from Amy Shark have re-surfaced, with the artist taking aim at the NRL.

Member for Cook Simon Kennedy has hit out at the Labor Party, saying that their economic management is hurting Australians.  Pressed on ousting the party - Mr Kennedy told Mark Levy that "yes" he would consider doing deals with One Nation. 

NSW Premier Chris Minns has taken aim at his Federal counterparts, saying that Government spending is a key issue for his state.  The Premier says that it's his role to help in lowering Goverment spending, despite spending more than expected in their own budget.   Mr Minns also said the government is "not doing enough" on illegal e-bikes. 

Aussie country music superstar Morgan Evans joined Mark Levy to discuss his love for the Newcastle Knights, as they await the big Grand Final match on Sunday.  He says the Knights were a part of his childhood, which led him to include commentary of their famous win in a 'Knights Version' of his song Steel Town

2GB Mornings has confirmed who will take to the field to referee the NRL and NRLW Grand Final games. Listen to find out who will be making the calls, come October 4

Shadow Minister for Indigenous Australians Julian Leeser has called for the Prime Minister to leave Canberra and visit regional communities where child protection services are struggling. He says the focus should be on the safety of all children, without focusing on their race.  On the expected RBA rate hike, Mr Leeser called Jim Chalmers the "Treasurer of Dog Ate My Homework".  He also took aim at Australian universities, saying they've 'gone to the dogs', over the ongoing anti-Jewish sentiment on campuses. 

Shadow Corrections Minister Anthony Roberts told Mark Levy that Minister Annolack Chantifong has gone into hiding, refusing to front up to discuss issues facing the sector.  He's also tells Mark Levy that it's a matter of when, not if, weapons make their way into our high security prisons. 

Shadow Minister for Industry and Sovereign Capability Andrew Hastie has hit out at the Government, after the Prime Minister announced an Open AI agent had hacked into Services Australia.  Mr Hastie says Australia should be front of mind to attack AI investment, but that we should build our own sovereign AI capability.  The senior Liberal also rubbished claims that One Nation MP Barnaby Joyce was speaking to the party about a power sharing deal. 

NSW Roads Minister Jenny Aitchison says it's full steam ahead for works on Mitchells Causeway, as the next stage begins. The Minister also highlighted road safety operations in place ahead of the Bathurst 1000 to prevent harm on Central West roads, including the introduction of mobile speed cameras. 

The Northern Territory's Acting Chief Minister Gerard Maley has defended his Government's work on child safety, after the death of Kumanjayi Little Baby made national headlines earlier this year.   Speaking to Mark Levy, the leader says the safety of children must be paramount.   Asked about the Territory using gas to create domestic energy, Mr Maley says Australia should be focusing on Australian energy sovereignty.   

Senator for the Northern Territory Jacinta Nampijinpa Price has called out the 'bulls**t' delaying work to support indigenous children and remote communities. The Senator has backed calls to remove children who have been "left in squalor", claiming their mistreatment is a "new form of racism". She also told Mark Levy that small businesses are key to growth in small, local communities. 

Mark Levy spoke to Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence Commissioner Micaela Cronin in the wake of a horror weekend of domestic-violence-linked deaths to find out how the nation can best approach the problem of family violence The Commissioner believes a bi-partisan approach is the only way to make real change, while encouraging victims to seek help. 

Federal Opposition Leader Angus Taylor has told Mark Levy that the Federal Government's plan for migration will actually see the nation's intake increase. The leader believes the policy unfairly targets some workers, including those working on farms or in pubs.  On the Opposition's policy, the Opposition Leader says the '"cap" for net-overseas migration must sit at 170,000 people.  Mr Taylor also refused to be drawn on if the government should cut the fuel excise again, as petrol and diesel prices skyrocket. 

Mark Levy has become emotional, sharing the news that the $5,000 Allied Health Cap will be scrapped by the Federal Government. The plan was designed to cut $700 million dollars from the Federal Budget over three years.  The policy has now been dropped by the Albanese Government.  Mark heard reaction from Veterans Chris May, Normie Rowe and John Armfield who were happy to see the back of the cap.

Daily Telegraph Crime Editor Mark Morri joins Mark Levy, looking at the serious crime issues facing Sydney.  From Pill testing to contraband in our prisons, Mark outlines what's leading to deaths caused by gangs across our city. 

After a whopping 500km trek from Central West NSW to Canberra, 12 year old Dusty has met with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.  During the meeting, the Prime Minister confirmed new funding for Little Wings, the charity Dusty supported during his walk.  Find out more about the 'Dollar for Dusty' walk here.

Mark Levy has set the record straight following backlash from both sides of politics, insisting his role is to hold all politicians accountable.  Addressing One Nation leader Pauline Hanson's recent controversies about Indigenous Australians, Andrew Hastie, and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's late mother, Levy drew a clear line between policy debate and unacceptable personal attacks.  Mark has urged listeners to look past headline outrage and focus on the real crises impacting remote Indigenous communities.

Joining 2GB Mornings, Shadow Immigration Minister Jonathan Duniam could not confirm when the Coalition will release its immigration policy. He tells Mark Levy that the policy could come 'next week'. 

Architect Michael Arad had only recently moved to New York City, when he watched the world's worst terror attack unfold.  He watched from his apartment as one of the hijacked planes flew directly into the South Tower of the World Trade Centre.  At the time, Michael did not realise he would end up designing the 9/11 Memorial Plaza. The eight acre plot today recognises the lives lost, and the everyday heroes made, on that awful day. 

Liberal MP Andrew Hastie has called out One Nation's 'double standards' after taking aim at their cartoon series which labelled him a 'traitor'.  Mr Hastie has told Mark Levy Pauline Hanson has "picked a fight with the wrong veteran".  He's also told 2GB Mornings that he does not expect to be called before the criminal trial of Ben Roberts-Smith. 

Australian writer and widow of former Prime Minister Bob Hawke has died at the age of 82.  The Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, has shared a statement on her passing. 

2GB Mornings listener Zoran spent at least 20 hours in St George Hospital's Emergency Department, waiting for a bed for his daughter. As Zoran waited, the NSW Health Minister Ryan Park was giving a press conference outside that very facility.  The State Government says our hosptials are full, due to wait times for NDIS and Aged Care services funded by their federal counterparts.

Senator and Veteran Jacqui Lambie joins Mark Levy, hitting out at the government for not already scrapping the $5,000 allied health cap, which is now the subject of a discussion paper.    Senator Lambie has told 2GB Mornings that our nation 'will see suicides' because of how veterans are treated.

After 2GB Mornings exclusively revealed an attempted contraband drop at the state's highest security prison, one corrections officer has told Mark Levy that drone usage has seen the practice 'ramp up'.  Darren King, Public Service Association Prison Officers Vocational Branch Chair, has told Mark Levy that they can't stop all items getting into our prisons. 

2GB Mornings can confirm a drone has been used by criminals attempting to deliver contraband to prisoners at Goulburn Correctional Centre.  Everything from phones to torx and allen keys were in the delivery, headed for a high-risk rapper.  Listen for the full details

This week Mark Levy headed out to Castle Hill Police Station, to chat with NSW Police about the work they do to protect our state. Listen to hear interviews with NSW Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon, local Commander Naomi Moore and three young cadets keen to become fully fledged police officers. 

One Nation's newly minted leader Mike Newman's pitch was bring more investment to New South Wales, but crime is front of mind after a number of major gang-crime incidents in the last week.  Mr Newman has told Mark Levy that "DEI" and "Pronouns" are wasting time for police, calling for the removal of body-worn cameras on police officers.  He also hit out at the judicial system, saying that people should not be given a slap on the wrist by the courts. 

Following back-to-back days of innocent people being killed and caught in the crossfire of gangland shootings, a passionate Mark Levy issued a stern message to the NSW Government.

NSW Opposition Leader Kellie Sloane slammed the state government's response to gang crime, saying families in Sydney are "terrified". She stopped short of calling for mandatory minimum sentences for gang related crime.  The leader spoke about what she called mixed messaging on drugs from the State Government in the wake of new pill testing funding.  Ms Sloane was also pressed on her leadership, and the resignation of Liberal Party star, Manly MP James Griffin.

Mark Levy didn't hold back in calling out Health Minister Ryan Park and the NSW Government, who are set to make pill testing permanent. Levy said it sends a "shocking message" when it comes to combating local crime and encouraging young people to avoid taking drugs.

In an exclusive interview from Castle Hill Police Station, Mark Levy spoke to NSW Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon about his first year as head of the Force.  The Commissioner reflects on leading NSW Police during the Bondi Terror Attack, and the impact of gang crime on our state.  Mal Lanyon will mark one year as Commissioner in October.  

Mark Levy wasn't letting Veterans’ Affairs Minister Matt Keogh off the hook following a new development regarding the controversial $5,000 annual cap on allied health services for our veterans.

One Nation leader Pauline Hanson phoned in to chat with Mark Levy on a host of topics, including recent election success in WA, current polling trends, and safety fears facing her.

There's finally a positive update for small businesses and locals impacted by the Victoria Pass road closure on the Great Western Highway. Roads Minister Jenny Aitchison has confirmed to 2GB Mornings that crews are "working day and night" and major work to restore the road has commenced.

Liberal MP Andrew Hastie, a former SAS commander, spoke with Mark Levy about the ongoing drama impacting the nation's veterans. 2GB Mornings has been the voice for veterans in need in recent weeks, with the open line connecting Levy with former soldiers who want the government to take their health battles more seriously. Veterans' Affairs Minister Matt Keogh has faced harsh criticism over his failure to meet with veterans on key concerns, including the newly introduced $5,000 annual cap on allied health services.

A listener was forced to phone 2GB for urgent help after waiting over 20 hours with chest pains in the emergency department at Westmead Hospital.  The caller, Bernard, revealed to Mark Levy that he had still not been provided a bed. Following his desperate call, Health Minister Ryan Park reached out to 2GB Mornings to confirm he had heard Bernard's ordeal and would immediately look into the matter.

Correctional officers across the state have walked off the job today after an inmate allegedly assaulted a corrections officer and then was given bail.

Australian veteran Chris May OAM spoke with Mark Levy to shed light on the systemic challenges current and former ADF personnel face when seeking support for service-related injuries and mental health battles. The treatment of Australia's veterans has come under intense scrutiny recently. Veterans’ Affairs Minister Matt Keogh has faced harsh criticism over his failure to meet with veterans on key concerns, including the newly introduced $5,000 annual cap on allied health services.

Mark Levy has urged calm among fans and the media following allegations surrounding five Sydney Swans players involved in a hotel incident last week. With no police charges laid or formal questioning taking place, Levy cautioned against premature judgment, encouraging supporters to stick to the facts rather than demanding immediate action from the AFL or the club.

A veteran who served in Iraq and Afghanistan phoned in to Mark Levy to lift the lid on his battle with the DVA in covering his medical issues from years of service. While still recovering from a cardiac arrest, and dealing daily with Parkinson's and depression, the veteran was reduced to tears on air in a heartbreaking talkback call.

A passionate Mark Levy didn't hold back on Veterans’ Affairs Minister Matt Keogh, who has faced heat this week for his handling of our veterans in need. The Minister is facing questions over his inability to meet with veterans on a number of issues, including the newly imposed $5,000 annual limit on allied health services for veterans.  

Leading AFL journalist Sam McClure spoke with Mark Levy to discuss the latest on an alleged incident involving several players that occurred on Monday morning in Melbourne.