John MacKenzie chats with Cr. Brett Moller, CRC Representative for Division 1, about local policy implementation following a forum where upset residents expressed their opposition to a proposed fishing ban on the Cairns Esplanade.

Cr. Moller confirmed that there have been no complaints made by residents against Esplanade fishers and that the controversial recommendations came internally from council staff who allegedly witnessed unsafe fishing behaviour, and proposed the idea for consultation. 

The community's backlash and opposition have been loud and conspicuous, and it's being highly speculated that an outright ban is unlikely. 

John Mackenzie chats with Shane Knuth, KAP State Member for Hill, about a $30 million wildlife bridge ignored by a cassowary that instead crossed the road beside it.

The bird somehow made its way around the barrier designed to direct it toward the safe crossing built by the government. Some are asking if cassowaries were consulted before construction began, to see if they would use the bridge.

What began in 2019 as a $9.8 million safe crossing for wildlife at Smith's Gap, has now become an example of bureaucracy gone wrong as the budget has more than tripled, has faced lengthy delays, and evidently isn't being used by cassowaries as intended.

Cassowary advocacy groups collaborated with governmental agencies to develop the unsuccessful initiative.

John MacKenzie chats with Luke Twyford, CEO of the Queensland Family & Child Commission, about discovered failings within the residential care system (Resicare).

The investigations were spearheaded by the newly appointed Minister for Child Safety and local Member for Barron, Craig Crawford, and have highlighted the need for major overhauls, labeling the system as "under pressure" and acknowledging that it was designed to be a temporary place of care, but has morphed into a place for long-term living.

Luke Twyford explained how Resicare homes are somewhat clinical and unhomely, meaning that children were hesitant about spending much time there.

John MacKenzie chats with Robbie Katter, State Member for Traeger and Queensland Leader of Katter's Australian Party, about the latest "Voice to Parliament" polling numbers.

Katter reiterated his support for the No campaign, explaining that a bureaucratic body located in big southern cities will do little to improve the lives and fortunes of Indigenous Australians.

Polling currently shows increased support for the "No" vote over the "Yes" vote (which is sitting at 38% support), with statistics as high as 61% in regional areas in support of voting "No".

On 14th October 2023, Australians will decide in a referendum vote whether or not to include Indigenous Australians in the constitution as a recognised governmental body to advise on lawmaking decisions.

Gavin King chats with Sabrina Tooley, founder of Safe Gaming Projects, about an initiative to engage young offenders with a video game centre.

The idea is to operate a place for video gaming available 24/7 in an effort to reduce youth crime affecting Cairns. The centre plans to offer nutritious meals, a series streaming services, and video gaming.

Sabrine Tooley, a youth social worker, said that the idea came to her after her own experience trying to engage her son, and found that video games were the prevailing saviour. 

“The idea is to get kids affected by family violence off the streets and out of crime and into playing video games to educate and empower them,” Sabrina explained.

John MacKenzie chats with Senator Matthew Canavan about the cost-of-living crisis, the future of power blackouts, changing Australian town names to Indigenous alternatives, and "welcome to country" protocols.

John MacKenzie chats with Ian Leavers, President and CEO of the Queensland Police Union, about the case of a police vehicle being intentionally rammed by a stolen car in Townsville.

Two officers were taken to hospital following the deliberate attack that was allegedly committed by teenagers earlier this week.

Mr. Leavers has called for actual punishments and jail time for violent offenders while facing backlash from legal societies who want to lobby for increasing the age of criminal responsibility. 

John MacKenzie chats with Dr. Terry Goldsworthy, Associate Professor in Criminology at Bond University, about policing recidivism and young repeat offenders. 

Recent data has revealed shocking figures as high as 90% of juveniles at the Cleveland Youth Detention Centre commit another crime within 12 months of being released. 

Dr. Goldsworthy commented on the changes that may be required in upper positions of government and the policing force in Queensland.