4BC Breakfast with Laurel, Gary & Mark

The very best from 4BC Breakfast with Peter Fegan this week.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Listen to 4BC Breakfast with Peter Fegan weekdays from 5.30am-9am.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malcolm Turnbull impersonator and comedian Lawrence Mooney joined Peter Fegan on 4BC Breakfast for a bit of light-hearted fun ahead of election day.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's been a big news week with the election campaign coming to a climax as polls suggest the election is all but over with Labor to triumph. Peter Dutton’s office was defaced yet again, Magic Round has got underway with the Maroons loosing Game One of Women's Origin and it's been four decades since Expo 88. Courier Mail Editor Chris Jones told Peter Fegan on 4BC Breakfast, " I think the biggest change, as we saw in Canada this week with their election, is that ironically, Donald Trump has hurt the Conservative vote all around the world. These are now uncertain times and at uncertain times, you tend to see electorates stick with the incumbent, stick with what you know and I think that's what we're heading for here," Jones said.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It is Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month, and the state government is tabling new laws to allow police to issue on-the-spot 12-month protection directions. QPS Acting Police Commissioner Shane Chelpy told Peter Fegan on 4BC Breakfast, "I'm really pleased to see those laws go into parliament this week." "The use of a police protection direction will see that close to two thirds of the domestic and family violence offences that we turn up to now will be able to issue an immediate police protection direction to give that victim-survivor protection right there on the spot for 12 months." "We know that a domestic and family violence current order takes four to five hours for a police officer to take out." "We're expecting these to be under an hour, but the most important thing is it'll free up that police time, which will allow the police to focus on our victim survivors," Acting Commissioner Chelepy said.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Listen to 4BC Breakfast with Peter Fegan weekdays from 5.30am-9am.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Magic Round kicks off tonight with Women’s State of Origin, followed by a series of blockbuster NRL games. Brisbane first hosted the event in 2019, and is locked in to host it until 2027, however, there is no guarantee it will continue in the River City beyond that. NRL CEO Andrew Abdo told Peter Fegan on 4BC Breakfast, "Three years is a long time and we want to continue to build and make Magic Round even more special." "When the time's right, we'll have a conversation around where Magic Round goes afterwards." "People do enjoy travelling to see games at Suncorp Stadium." "So we don't take that for granted, but obviously nothing is locked in beyond 2027," Mr Abdo continued.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Senator Bridget McKenzie has been one of the Coalition’s loudest voices in the 2025 federal election. The Senator has been vocal on nuclear energy, support for the Bush, big upgrades to roads and rail, and Labor's Medicare scare campaign. Senator McKenzie told Peter Fegan on 4BC Breakfast, "I think Peter Dutton's done a magnificent job keeping the Liberal Party united, working collaboratively with the National Party to put forward a really positive plan for our nation." "I have every expectation that Peter Dutton will remain the leader of the Liberal Party." "Hopefully, he'll be our next Prime Minister, that's what we're working on," Senator McKenzie continued.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Magic Round is upon us and Darryl 'The Big Marn' Brohman joined 4BC Breakfast to give his round 9 tips.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Listen to 4BC Breakfast with Peter Fegan weekdays from 5.30am-9am.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this day in 1988, World Expo 88 opened in Brisbane. The theme of the expo was "Leisure in the Age of Technology," and it attracted over 15 million visitors. Brisbane Lord Mayor at the time Sally-Anne Atkinson told Peter Fegan on 4BC Breakfast, "The thing that shaped it most of all was giving the people who lived here confidence in what a great city we have." "Until that time, we were very much Queensland versus Cinderella State." "People from Sydney and Melbourne said, Brisbane, who would want to live there?" "And all of a sudden, those people were coming up to Brisbane and saying, wow, this is a great place to be, but very importantly, people who lived in Brisbane said, wow, this is a great place to be." "I think that that's been such a driver of the development of the city ever since," Mrs Atkinson said.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Between January and September 2024, there were 1,050 presentations to participating Queensland emergency departments due to e-scooter incidents, up from 940 during the same period in 2023. On the Gold Coast they experienced a 635% increase in e-transport injuries, escalating from 77 cases in 2019/20 to 566 in 2023/24. Forget rule reviews and slap-on-the-wrist warnings, it’s time to draw a line in the sand. Bicycle Queensland’s CEO Alton Twine told Peter Fegan on 4BC Breakfast, "We've written to both the federal government and state government, got a really great letter of support from the transport minister yesterday." "They're very aware of the issues with this and they want changes." "Changes have to happen at the federal level, just don't import these things," Mr Twine said.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Recent polling has suggested the Labor Party is likely to form a minority government in three days, following an uneventful election campaign. This campaign trail may help explain why Australians are turning away from the major political parties. Independent Senator Jacquie Lambie told Peter Fegan on 4BC Breakfast, "There is a massive lack of leadership around this country." "It's like as soon as they make a decision, they get a little hit from 30% of the population, they go, oh dear, oh dear." "If your idea is so good, then you need to stand your ground, and you need to walk through it, and you need to take the Australian people with you, and they're not doing that," Senator Lambie continued.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Women’s State of Origin kicks off this Thursday night in front of 25,000 at Suncorp Stadium. Queensland will be attempting to retain the shield after making history with victory in the first-ever three-match series. Queensland Captain Ali Brigginshaw told Peter Fegan on 4BC Breakfast, "We definitely can do it again." "After last year's win, it's really instilled some confidence within the group." "I guess we are missing a couple, but we've also got six debutantes, which is very exciting," Ms Brigginshaw said.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Listen to 4BC Breakfast with Peter Fegan weekdays from 5.30am-9am.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cost of living and energy bills have been a major focus of the 2025 federal election campaign. Anthony Albanese promised an energy bill reduction of $275. However, there have been no reports of the reduction. Federal Health Minister Mark Butler told Peter Fegan on 4BC Breakfast, "These have been very difficult circumstances. There is not a yes or no." "We didn't promise at the 2022 election we would provide every household with energy bill relief," "When circumstances changed as a result of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, what that did to the gas markets, we changed our circumstances. We put in place significant energy bill relief, and that's what a responsible government does," Minister Butler continued.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Last year, Peter Dutton confirmed to Peter Fegan that he would commit to a Royal Commission into domestic violence. Today, the Opposition Leader was asked the same question, but with a different answer. Opposition Leader Peter Dutton told Peter Fegan on 4BC Breakfast, "It's a dirge, and you can spend a lot of money on a Royal Commission, and you can make lawyers rich, and then you end up with recommendations that seem pretty obvious anyway." "I think change is certainly required, and I think we need to do more." "If a Royal Commission is required then yes, but whatever it takes to reduce violence against women and children, and make our communities safer, my whole career has been based on that," the Opposition Leader continued. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s been a powerful and emotional first day at the Bondi Westfield inquest. The court heard that Joel Cauchi, the Queensland man behind the deadly attack, had been seriously mentally ill, unmedicated, and obsessed with mass killings in the lead-up to the tragedy. 9News Reporter Annalise Bolt told Peter Fegan on 4BC Breakfast, "Truly disturbing insight into Joel Couchie's state of mind and also some serious issues in the mental health system in New South Wales and Queensland." "The senior counsel assisting the coroner, Peggy Dwight, said yesterday that he was a person that was extremely unwell, that had become preoccupied with weapons, violence and mass killing," Ms Bolt continued. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Listen to 4BC Breakfast with Peter Fegan weekdays from 5.30am-9am.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Healthcare is a major battleground in the federal election, with Labor promising billions for Medicare and the Coalition matching the funding increases. The Opposition’s Spokesperson for Health Senator Anne Ruston told Peter Fegan on 4BC Breakfast, "We absolutely support investing in primary care and investment in primary care is actually an investment in a healthy Australia." "And the reality is right now people aren't seeing a doctor, so they're getting sicker." "We need people to be able to get access right up front because we don't want them getting sicker and ending up in hospital," Senator Ruston said.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The latest crime figures suggest a 32 per cent drop in cases against children charged with at least one of an initial 13 offences included in the LNP's Adult Crime, Adult Time laws. Queensland Premier David Crisafulli told Peter Fegan on 4BC Breakfast, "I'm not for turning and my message to them is the same as my message to the Labor Party and that is we're goin to be passing the next wave of adult crime, adult time next month, with or without your support." "We've got a long way to go," Premier Crisafulli continued.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On Saturday, Channel Nine's Telethon raised 10 million dollars for Mater's Little Miracles. The record-breaking amount will go towards neonatal intensive care and maternal-fetal medicine. The host of Nine's Telethon Melissa Downes told Peter Fegan on 4BC Breakfast, "The part of the Telethon that we all love being part of is representing and showcasing all of the extended family of Mater, from all the staff, the researchers, the doctors, all the specialists, right down to the people who work in the wards and then the families and that's what we love."See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The very best from 4BC Breakfast with Luke Bradnam this week.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Listen to 4BC Breakfast with Luke Bradnam filling in for Peter Fegan weekdays from 5.30am-9am.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

ANZAC Day is all about remembering and sharing the stories of sacrifice that our soldiers made throughout history. Major Barry Hampson is a returned serviceman, military historian and until recently worked with Unrecovered War Casualties Army. He did two tours overseas, to the Middle East and East Timor and he served for a total of 43 years. Barry Hampson told Luke Bradnam on 4BC Breakfast, "It's not just putting the names back, it's giving the identity back to an unknown Australian soldier." "It's the one thing that our country deserves to give to our lost soldiers is their identity again and that's what drives me to do the work I did for almost 10 years like it was," Mr Hampson said.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

RSL’s across Australia play a pivotal role in ANZAC Day. Year round they are there to support veterans and provide a service for the community, but in the last week or so you would’ve seen them everywhere. Raising money and preparing for marches and services and no doubt today will be a huge day as well. RSL Queensland State Secretary Iain Carty told Luke Bradnam on 4BC Breakfast, "What an amazing turnout across the state today given some of our inclement weather." "Over 400 to 500 events across the state and all being very well attended." "So thank you, Queensland," Mr. Carty said.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It is the 110th Anniversary of the Gallipoli Landing in 1915 and thousands across Australia have started their ANZAC Day by attending dawn services. The MC for the Dawn Service at the ANZAC Square in Brisbane Darren Curtis told Luke Bradnam on 4BC Breakfast, "Anzac Day actually started in Brisbane." "This was the very first place where it was originated the idea and was actually put into practice was here in Brisbane so this holds very special for our hearts here in Queensland that we were the first to kick this off," Mr Curtis said.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Listen to 4BC Breakfast with Luke Bradnam filling in for Peter Fegan weekdays from 5.30am-9am. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There aren’t many songs that evoke the meaning of ANZAC Day better than ‘I Was Only 19’ by Redgum which was written and sung by John Schumann. John is returning to the music scene with the Vagabond Crew and their latest song is called Fishing Net in the Rain. John Schumann told Luke Bradnam on 4BC Breakfast, "This [Fishing Net In The Rain] came out of the Royal Commission into Veteran Suicide." "I've got a long interest in mental health, which I learned about when I wrote I was only 19 and I put Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, I suppose, back in the national conversation, not deliberately, just quite unconsciously." "So I became a bit interested and I watched the Royal Commission into Veterans Suicide and it's always something that's harrowed me," Mr Schumann said. "We send these people away to do jobs, to wear our uniforms overseas and when they come back, they'll come back with physical injury sometimes." "Often they'll come back with psychological injuries, which aren't visible, but they are injuries, none the same." "We have to tell these stories," John Schumann continued.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On Tuesday this week there was an event called “Cash Out Day” run by the advocacy group Cash Welcome. The initiative is aimed at keeping the pressure on the powers that be to keep cash as a part of the currency makeup. The first “Cash Out Day” was held last year with an estimated 1.6 million people withdrawing cash. Cash Welcome Founder Jason Bryce told Luke Bradnam on 4BC Breakfast, "The problem is there's no reliable private alternative to cash." "So the banks have got to stop restricting our access to cash." "The banks and the RBA are sitting down right now trying to work out how to make the cash distribution system sustainable and banks have got to pay for that." "That process is happening now." "Cash out day last year put a whole lot of pressure on the banks when there was a big spike in the number of withdrawals and it was obviously because people wanted to send a message that nobody wants Australia to go 100% completely cashless," Mr Bryce said.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Yesterday Health Minister Mark Butler was forced to clarify that there will still be some patients who are charged a gap fee at the GP. Meanwhile at a state level, the LNP government are scrambling to redraw Queensland's hospital building plan after another scathing review. Australian Medical Association of Queensland President Dr Nick Yim told Luke Bradnam on 4BC Breakfast, "when the government did first make their announcement at the very start of the campaign... we've always said that it's quite unlikely that all GPs or 90 per cent of GPs will be bulk billing." "When we surveyed our members, they've told us that if they choose to universally bulk bill, that's actually going to be a loss of 20 to 30 per cent of their revenue." "I guess in this current climate, I'd ask any business owner, any workplace, it's very, very unlikely that medical practice could survive if they have a 20, 30 per cent reduction in revenue," Dr Yim said.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Listen to 4BC Breakfast with Luke Bradnam filling in for Peter Fegan weekdays from 5.30am-9am.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Organisers of the Brisbane Anzac Day Parade originally announced that bands unable to keep up with a 116bpm score would be excluded from the parade, consequently excluding most pipe bands. The news that their presence was under threat sparked strong reaction from the public and musicians alike. The Chair of the Queensland Branch of Pipe Bands Australia Nick Tomkins told Luke Bradnam on 4BC Breakfast, "The Chairman of the sub-branch, Kerry Gallagher, was very welcoming, very apologetic for the decision that was made and conceded that it wasn't the best decision and has reversed the decision." "So all of the bands have been welcome to play."See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Voting officially opened yesterday with almost half a million people casting their ballots ahead of the May 3 election. Yesterday was also the third debate between our two federal leaders. Australian National University Political Scientist Dr Jill Sheppard told Luke Bradnam on 4BC Breakfast, "It felt like they were trying to have a bit of a crack in these last few weeks of the campaign, one week and a half to go now and they probably should have done that much earlier."See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As the world comes to terms with Pope Francis's passing, we’re starting to learn more about what's next. Jess Millward, Nine’s Europe Correspondent, joined Luke Bradnam on 4BC Breakfast live from Vatican City to provide an update as next steps are revealed.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Listen to 4BC Breakfast with Luke Bradnam filling in for Peter Fegan weekdays from 5.30am-9am.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Research suggests ‘empty nesters‘ should downsize to free up large homes for young families trying to get in to the housing market. Recent research suggests that if more empty nesters made the move to smaller homes, it could free up to 60,000 much-needed properties across the country.Real Estate Institute of Queensland CEO Antonia Mercorella joined Luke Bradnam on 4BC Breakfast to discuss the findings.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s a crazy time in International Relations with reports that Moscow had requested to base aircraft in Indonesia roughly 1300 kilometres north of Darwin and a trade war brewing between China and the United States. Intelligent Risks CEO Neil Fergus told Luke Bradnam on 4BC Breakfast, "Yesterday, China put out a warning from its Ministry of Commerce, a very clear warning, stating that it will take countermeasures in a resolute and reciprocal manner against any country that tries to make a trade deal with the USA at the expense of China." "Of course, that's where Australia gets brought into the mix because China is our number one trading partner." "So we are going to be put in a situation as a country where we're going to have to choose between our closest ally and our biggest trading partner," Mr Fergus said.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The world is still coming to terms with the passing of Pope Francis, after his passing last night Australian time. And while the Catholic Church mourns, discussions will soon start with a new Pope needing to be elected. Oxford and Deakin University and Catholic Church historian Dr Miles Pattenden told Luke Bradnam on 4BC Breakfast, "He leaves a very significant legacy for Catholics around the world." "In some senses, he reset the Church's relationship with the Catholic faithful."See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The world is reacting to the passing of Pope Francis last night aged 88. Leaders from around the world have offered their condolences to the church and Catholic Community. Nine’s Europe Correspondent Jessica Millward told Luke Bradnam on 4BC Breakfast, "There's a fair bit of shock... not just here, but right around the world as this news broke and that's funny to say because we know that the Pope's been sick." "But after we saw those images, he didn't need assistance with oxygen yesterday." "So the fact we saw him out and about and then as the Vatican announced that he passed away at 7.30 this morning, it was a deep sense of shock," Mrs Millward.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Listen to 4BC Breakfast with Luke Bradnam filling in for Peter Fegan weekdays from 5.30am-9am.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Stawell Gift is Australia's oldest and richest short-distance running race. The main event at the annual carnival held on Easter weekend by the Stawell Athletic Club has Australia's two biggest sprint stars in Gout Gout and Lachlan Kennedy hoping to win the $40,000 grand prize. The Stawell Gift’s Event Management Chair Murray Emerson told Luke Bradnam on 4BC Breakfast, "The unfortunate part for Gout and Lachlan Kennedy they're just actually recently coming into professional running so they're going to get tight marks initially to allow the other runners who perhaps haven't got the same abilities to give us an even finish and that's the idea of it all."See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Labor members Pat Conroy and Murray Watt ramped up their attacks on the Coalition over the weekend. While a Labor-funded website titled "He cuts, you pay" and an official Australian Labor Party advertisement posted to social media stated the opposition would close down urgent care clinics. Nationals Senator Bridget McKenzie told Luke Bradnam on 4BC Breakfast, "Another day, another Labor scare campaign." "That is absolutely categorically not the case." "We are absolutely committed to funding all existing urgent care clinics," Senator McKenzie commented. "They're filling a major gap in the healthcare provision of Australians and we're actually announcing new ones." "We've already announced an urgent care clinic in Cairns and in Carindale in Queensland and that's going to continue," Mrs McKenzie said.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Leighton Walters is an Australian expat who was told he could not serve Vegemite at his Canadian Cafe because of the added Vitamin B in the spread. However, there is some good news in Walters fight against the Canadian Food Inspection Agency. Leighton Walters told Luke Bradnam on 4BC Breakfast, "About 36 hours ago that the CFIA had a change of heart and basically gave us the tentative short-term thumbs up to put Vegemite back on the menu." "It is a win for small business and a win for Australia." "Don't touch Vegemite." "I said there are bigger issues in Canada than worrying about added B vitamins in a fermented yeast extract that's such an iconically Australian brand," Mr Walters said.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The very best from 4BC Breakfast with Luke Bradnam this week.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Listen to 4BC Breakfast with Luke Bradnam filling in for Peter Fegan weekdays from 5.30am-9am.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The ANZAC Day Parade Brisbane Committee has issued a response regarding reports that pipe bands could be excluded from local ANZAC Day services.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Easter and School Holidays are the perfect time for a weekend away and the Sunshine State has plenty of great destinations. Tash Wheeler from the Queensland Tourism Industry Council joined Luke Bradnam on 4BC Breakfast.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Queenslanders have been blessed with fantastic weather this Easter which is a welcome reprieved from the rain that has fallen in the past few months. Bureau of Meteorology Senior Meteorologist Angus Hines joined Luke Bradnam on 4BC Breakfast to preview the Easter long weekend.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Listen to 4BC Breakfast with Luke Bradnam filling in for Peter Fegan weekdays from 5.30am-9am.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tipping this NRL season has been a nightmare for a lot of punters and this weekend is likely to be another tough round for tipsters. Darryl 'The Big Marn' Brohman' joined 4BC Breakfast to give his tips for Round 7 of the NRL with the action kicking off tonight with the Sea Eagles facing the Dragons. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.