John MacKenzie chats with Peter Raffles, President of the North Queensland State Alliance, local barrister, and JCU graduate, about the need for a postal survey to engage local residents in regards to the idea of a separate North Queensland state.

Peter wants the thoughts of voters to be heard and if a separate state is desired then a Royal Commission would be needed to determine the new boundary lines.

John MacKenzie welcomes the recently appointed President of the Cairns Chamber of Commerce, Enver Selita.

Enver chats with John about the federal government's announcement of $107 million to assist Cairns with its water supply crisis. A few additional topics were covered today, including the state of business survival during covid-19 after mandates and skills shortages have made things difficult. Drunk and disorderly behaviour, particularly in the CBD, were also addressed.

John MacKenzie chats with nick Dametto, KAP State Member for Hinchinbrook.

The topic of higher fines for not wearing a seatbelt and mobile use was discussed, with Nick accusing the state government of revue raising because the fines would negatively affect people who aim to be law-abiding.

Nick made an interesting point by juxtaposing the increase of certain traffic fines with rampant traffic crimes after car thefts in Cairns have been at all-time highs.

John MacKenzie chats with Dr. Anna Hayes, Senior Lecturer of Political Science at James Cook University Cairns, about the need to expand northern Australian military bases in cairns and Townsville, in response to the growing concern of China.

Dr. Hayes discusses how China will exploit Australia's upcoming federal election in order to secure its advancement in the Solomon Islands.

Today John spoke with  Bob Baldwin, Chair of the Australian Fishing Trade Association and former member of federal parliament, about the Spanish Mackerel debate.

Queensland fisheries estimate that Spanish mackerel numbers are at 17% of un-fished stock levels and recommend that commercial fishers lower their catch levels, some reports suggest that up to a 90% reduction is needed. This will negatively impact the many people whose livelihoods depend on fishing for Spanish mackerel.

A federal election has been called by the Scott Morrison government for May 21, 2022, and election coverage is entering full swing. 

John MacKenzie caught up with Dr. Paul Williams, Associate Professor in Politics and Journalism at Griffith University, about the federal seat of Leichhardt, currently held by incumbent Warren Entsch. Entsch held the position from 1996 to 2007, and then again since the 2010 election. 

Dr. Williams describes his predictions and insight for the upcoming election that will see Australians vote on the future of their country's governance.