The Mayors of Brisbane, Gold Coast, Cairns, and Whitsundays have written to the Premier to enforce a 'bed tax' for tourists visiting Queensland. 

They argue that a visitor levy is a fairer way to distribute the costs of the tourism industry.

Queensland Hotel Association Chief Executive Bernie Hogan told Gary Hardgrave on 4BC Drive, "Normally you put that in for a congestion tax or it's keeping people away during certain times. That's when you make it more expensive." 

"We all want a successful tourism industry, and everybody in Queensland wants a successful tourism industry. I don't think this is the most equitable way to do it," Mr Hogan continued. 

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Several of Australia’s largest superfunds have been the target of a cyberattack. 

It has been revealed that AustralianSuper, Rest, and Insignia were affected, with stolen passwords used to target members’ accounts.

AustralianSuper has released a new statement saying their call centres and app are experiencing outages due to high traffic, but stress that your money is safe.

Editor of Pickr.com.au, Leigh Stark, joined Gary Hardgrave on 4BC Drive to explain how this cyberattack could occur and how to keep your account safe. 

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Listen to Gary Hardgrave on 4BC Drive weekdays from 3:00pm

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Today, President Donald Trump imposed a 10 per cent tariff on Australia. 

But how does this impact the federal election? 

Public Policy Analyst and Commentator Dr Scott Prasser told Gary Hardgrave on 4BC Drive, "I think this whole thing will play into Albanese's court because it's a great distraction. He can act like the Prime Minister, shocked horror about what's happening."

 "Dutton can only tag along, and he's got to agree that this is a terrible, stupid, dumb decision."

"So it's a great thing for Albanese to distract us from the other issues that we should be discussing," Dr Prasser continued. 

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Yesterday, 4BC Drive interviewed a photographer and conservationist who revealed the environmental impact of wind farm construction sites.

Gary Hardgrave said on 4BC Drive, "Trees being torn down, torn off the tops of mountains and rocks being thrust and dirt being thrust down into creeks. Wind turbines are replacing them. And it was all to produce just half a per cent of Queensland's energy need."

"We need to stop this rush to renewables because it's ruining not only our economy because it's heavily subsidised, but it's also losing our lifestyle."

"It's losing our assets. We're robbing it from the future for our kids," Gary continued.

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Gary Hardgrave is heading back on the campaign trail for 4BC Drive’s Election Roadshow.

Each day next week, 4BC Drive will be broadcasting live from a different corner of Brisbane to hear from candidates and voters. 

You'll be able to find Gary Hardgrave at Caboolture Square, Meadowbrook Shopping Centre, Booval Fair, Albany Creek Village, and Wynnum Plaza.
 

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NBN has revealed which postcodes are the biggest downloaders across the country, with Queenslanders leading the charge.

Jane McNamara from NBN told Gary Hardgrave on 4BC Drive, "The average Australian household is downloading 10 times more than they did ten years ago, and that is expected to double again by 2029."

To keep up with the demand, Ms. McNamara said, "We've got to make sure we've got the right NBN plan, the right in home set up, and check whether we are eligible for an upgrade. 

Click here to check your NBN status.

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Listen to Gary Hardgrave on 4BC Drive weekdays from 3:00pm

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A $1.3 billion wind farm is being built in Central Queensland’s Connors Range, which is home to some of the most ecologically significant populations of koalas and Greater Gliders.

Photographer and conservationist Steven Nowakowski recently visited the Lotus Creek Wind Farm and shared some pretty confronting images.

Mr Nowakowski told Gary Hardgrave on 4BC Drive, "That's why I've been photographing places like Lotus Creek to try to show city folk what is really involved with the construction of these wind towers in Queensland and other parts of Australia.

"I think if Australians really saw what was going on in regional Australia with the rollout of renewables, they would be gobsmacked and horrified because we are seeing so much devastation and clearing and destruction of what is left of our refugia forests, of our remnant forests," Mr Nowakowski continued. 

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The Queensland Attorney-General has instructed the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions to appeal against a sentence handed down in the Children’s Court of Queensland on March 13, 2025. 

In 2023, Chris Sanders was attacked at the Alexandra Hills Shopping Centre by a group of teens. 

Mr Sanders told Gary Hardgrave on 4BC Drive, "Fantastic news, I was lost for words this morning when she was talking to me, so I just said to her, thanks very much for doing what you can do."

"This judge needs to rethink what he's done, especially to turn around and record. No criminal conviction recorded; tat's been the biggest thing that's crossed my mind," Mr Sanders continued. 

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