Mornings with Mark Levy - Highlights

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.

Mark Levy examines the NSW gun buyback scheme—asking if it is the right response following the Bondi terror attack, and looking at the potential impact on regional farmers.

Mark Levy has called on NSW Opposition Leader Kellie Sloane to sack Upper House MP Chris Rath from the Liberal Party as new revelations continue to emerge from the ICAC probe.  

Mark Levy has called on Opposition Leader Angus Taylor to pull Senator Andrew Bragg into line after he made a number of controversial statements during an address at the National Press Club. The Senator gave his views on immigration and other policy matters that went against Coalition policy.

Mark Levy put the heat on Opposition Leader Angus Taylor to provide a clearer picture of the Coalition's immigration numbers, given that Labor and One Nation have both made their figures clear in recent weeks.

Mark Levy takes a deep dive into the new Western Sydney Airport and the new technology that will see air traffic control run in a more digital format compared to traditional manned towers.

Alex Ryvchin, Co-CEO of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry, spoke with Mark Levy about his efforts during the City2Surf on Sunday to honour 10-year-old Matilda, who was killed in the Bondi Beach terror attacks. The families of Ryvchin and young Matilda joined forces on the day, dressed in yellow and black to honour the 10-year-old, while also celebrating the day and special occasions for locals in Bondi and the City who were out to enjoy the run.

Four incredible brothers—Ben, Tom, Jem, and Sam Warburton—are taking on a massive physical challenge for a cause that hits close to home. To honour 80 gruelling days of treatment, the brothers are lacing up to run 80 kilometres from Bondi to Manly tomorrow, raising critical funds and awareness for The Brain Cancer Group.

Mark Levy had plenty to say on Thursday morning after Energy Minister Chris Bowen addressed the National Press Club on Australia's net-zero future and how his government plans to move forward.

Australia feels more fractured than ever. The alarming spike in antisemitism is hitting close to home, leaving many in our community feeling unsafe, isolated, and deeply divided. With the landmark Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion currently underway right here in Sydney, the need for genuine solutions has never been more urgent.  Discussing the matter with Mark Levy while visiting Australia is Jonathan Greenblatt, CEO and National Director of the Anti-Defamation League in the U.S. Greenblatt also previously served in the White House as Special Assistant to President Barack Obama and Director of the Office of Social Innovation and Civic Participation.

An emotional Mark Levy has paid tribute to Bob Montgomery, who unexpectedly passed away aged 82—just hours after he and his grandson Tom completed a 5,300-kilometre cross-country cycle to raise funds for motor neurone disease (MND). The pair raised over $85,000 on their six-week journey, cycling from Broome, WA to Bowral, NSW, in honour of one of Bob's cousins who battled the condition. Only a little over a month ago, Bob and Tom were in the 2GB studio to talk about their cross-country ride.

Mark Levy hasn't held back on the ABC after Australian Olympic legend Dawn Fraser branded Anthony Albanese “spineless” and “vile” for refusing to condemn the broadcaster over a controversial skit involving Gina Rinehart. The segment, which aired on the program Race Around the World, featured a bizarre, French-Revolutionary-style depiction of a violent attack on the mining billionaire.

Several have been injured, and there are unconfirmed reports of people trapped after a brick wall of a building collapsed in Ultimo on Wattle Street in inner Sydney.

Paul Nicolaou, Executive Director of Business Sydney, spoke with Mark Levy about the rising concern surrounding the homeless population in the Sydney CBD. Mr Nicolaou explained why the issue needs to be addressed quickly, calling on the NSW Government to appoint a homelessness commissioner whose role would be to coordinate state government services, the charitable sector, and other key stakeholders to combat the issue.

A former Labor Minister and veteran Mike Kelly says he was appalled by a motion that saw the government's stance on Hamas removed.

New South Wales Rugby League has come down hard on those involved in a wild local footy brawl over the weekend involving two Under-18s sides. Mark Levy can exclusively reveal that the NSWRL has charged 10 players from the Campbelltown Collegians, while one player from The Oaks Tigers has also been charged. Meanwhile, police and the NSWRL are continuing to investigate, and more charges could follow.

Alastair MacGibbon, former Special Adviser to the Prime Minister on Cyber Security, spoke with Mark Levy about the rise of AI voice-cloning—the latest tactic criminals are using to scam innocent Aussies.

Mark Levy reviews the footage, revealing details of a wild weekend fight involving under-18s players from The Oaks Tigers and the Campbelltown Collegians at Dudley Chesham Sports Ground.

Speaking with Mark Levy, NSW Opposition Leader Kellie Sloane mapped out her path to success. She detailed how she plans to protect votes from drifting to One Nation, and shared her ultimate strategy to defeat Chris Minns in the upcoming state election.

Julian Leeser, Shadow Minister for Education, spoke with Mark Levy amid the ongoing commission into antisemitism, and he didn't hold back on the leaders of Australia's top universities for their lack of action in combatting hate towards Jewish people.

Liberal MP Andrew Hastie spoke with Mark Levy about the rapid rise of artificial intelligence. During the interview, he discussed Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's plans to overhaul the country's approach to the technology, which includes establishing a dedicated government office to oversee AI implementation.