Join Bill McDonald each weekday from 9am-12pm on 4BC Mornings.

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The First Fleet was the biggest single overseas migration the world had ever seen — 11 ships, over 1,400 people on board, and 24,000 kilometres of treacherous waters to sail across.

The author of ‘1788: The Brutal Truth of the First Fleet’ David Hill told Bill McDonald on 4BC Mornings, "I'm not passionate about 26th of January and it really doesn't matter a great deal."

"26th of January was not the date of any great significance, there's nothing sacred about the date," Mr Hill continued. 

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Queensland is projected to have three record budget deficits from 2025–26 onwards which would each be the largest on record.

Queensland Treasurer David Janetzki told Bill McDonald on 4BC Mornings, "I'm taking ratings agencies seriously."

"We've got to be prepared, it's highly likely we'll get a rating downgrade."

"So, when we go and borrow money, if our credit rating is worse, it costs more," the Treasurer said.

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As Australians, we have our own language, which many don't understand. 

But how did Australian slang begin?

Professor of Linguistics at Monash University, Kate Burridge joined Bill McDonald on 4BC Mornings to share the details of Australian slang. 

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Join Bill McDonald each weekday from 9am-12pm on 4BC Mornings.  

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Rockhampton has joined the race to host the Olympic rowing and canoeing for 2032. 

However, there have been concerns about the number of crocodiles living in the Fitzroy River.

Nationals Senator Matt Canavan told Bill McDonald on 4BC Mornings, "If it's good enough for our Australian Olympic team if it's good enough for 700 rowers across the state that come here every year, I think it'll be good enough for Olympians." 

"This proposal could save us money because it uses an existing here and it would sell the beautiful Australian bush," Senator Canavan continued. 

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Join Bill McDonald each weekday from 9am-12pm on 4BC Mornings.  

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In 2003, the Aussie crime comedy movie Gettin’ Square hit the screen, and audiences were introduced to the “criminal mastermind” Johnny Spitieri.

22 years later, Johnny Spitieri is back in the sequel Spit, filmed in south-east Queensland will be released on March 6. 

Writer and lawyer, Chris Nyst, told Bill McDonald on 4BC Mornings, "It was pretty easy for me to write because it was about things that were near dear to my heart, it's about mateship and the Australian values."

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The state government has revealed the athletes villages for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games were estimated to be $3.5 billion. 

However, Deputy Premier, Jarrod Bleijie has claimed the former government allocated only $155 million to build the villages. 

Deputy Premier Bleijie told Bill McDonald on 4BC Mornings, "The LNP Government promised openness and transparency, so that's the first thing we wanted Queenslanders to know."

"I still think that's a conservative estimate," he continued.

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As children return to school this month, Dollys Drean and Smiggle are working together.

Dolly's Dream is a national anti-bullying organisation, that is dedicated to changing the culture of bullying. 

Clinical Psychologist Dr Charlotte Keating joined Bill McDonald on 4BC Mornings to discuss bullying in Australia. 

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