Phil speaks with Andrew Hall, CEO of the Insurance Council of Australia, about the Insurance Catastrophe declaration for southeast Queensland and northern New South Wales following Tropical Cyclone Alfred.

Although Alfred weakened before landfall, heavy rain, flooding, power outages, and debris continue to impact areas including the Gold Coast, Brisbane, Hervey Bay, and the Northern Rivers. Since February 28, insurers have received nearly 3,000 claims.

The Catastrophe declaration ensures a swift, prioritized response from insurers to support affected policyholders.

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Phil O’Neil chats with Russell Setright, Australia’s best known Naturopath & author of ‘Get Well in the Golden Years, to get the latest in health and well-being news.

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Phil speaks with Dr. Ross Walker, cardiologist and host of Nine Radio’s Healthy Living, about two key health topics:

Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome – Following the death of Gene Hackman’s wife, Betsy Arakawa, from hantavirus, Dr. Walker explains how the virus spreads through contact with infected rodent droppings, urine, or saliva. It is not transmitted between humans.

Light Exercise & Illness Recovery – Dr. Walker highlights the benefits of gentle movement when recovering from minor illnesses. Being completely inactive can weaken the immune system and slow recovery. Low-impact activities like stretching, yoga, qigong, and tai chi can aid in maintaining energy and improving recovery.

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Mike speaks with Sydney Morning Herald columnist Jacqueline Maley about her article on the political debate over working from home.

The Coalition wants public servants back in the office five days a week, with limited exceptions.

Opposition Leader Peter Dutton claims highly paid bureaucrats are "refusing" to return, while some public service sectors have high remote work rates.

However, a 2023 agreement allows uncapped WFH days until 2027, making immediate enforcement unlikely. If elected, the Coalition plans to change this policy.

Finance Minister Katy Gallagher criticized the move as an attack on working women and out of touch with modern families.

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Millions of black-market cigarettes enter Australia each year, overwhelming customs screening.

Mike speaks with Kelly Crossley, a freight forwarder and international supply chain expert, about her firsthand encounters with criminals using “piggyback” shipments to smuggle illicit tobacco.

Last year, she alerted authorities to a suspicious shipment, and just two weeks ago, she flagged an importer trying to bring in “loose leaf tea” that was likely prohibited.

Kelly emphasises the need for freight forwarders to play a bigger role in detecting fraud and stopping illegal imports.

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Mike speaks with Drive.com’s Trent Nikolic about Bank Australia’s decision to stop offering car loans for petrol, diesel, and hybrid vehicles from February 2025.

The move supports its 2035 net-zero goal, urging a faster transition to EVs.

While Bank Australia defends the policy, major banks say they have no plans to follow suit, meaning buyers can still access loans for non-EV vehicles through other lenders.

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Mike Jeffreys talks movies and entertainment with Alex First, editor of itellyouwhatithink.com

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