Mornings With John Mackenzie

John MacKenzie chats with Dr. Paul Williams, Associate Professor in Politics and Journalism at Griffith University and former primary school teacher, about the state of schools in Queensland regarding student and teacher safety, and classroom disruption.

John MacKenzie speaks with Dr. Aileen Traves, Deputy Chair of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners Queensland, about the dangers and symptoms of Meningococcal disease following a shocking case in Cairns, and 2 recent cases in nearby Yarrabah. Cairns and Far North Queenslanders are being warned of a potential outbreak as health authorities investigate the root cause.

John MacKenzie chats with Cr. Marty Bella, Mackay Regional Council, about the state opposition's vow to reform youth justice laws and return a sense of security to the community and victims of crime. Marty slams the current, broken system and reminds us that the removal of offenders from society has to be considered if social safety is to be addressed.

John MacKenzie chats with Bob Epps, Chief Executive of Cairns Taxis, following a spate of attacks where taxis are allegedly being smashed with rocks as they drive along Sheridan Street. This is yet the latest in anti-social and illegal behaviour that is plaguing the Cairns CBD and the regions beyond.

John MacKenzie chats with Dr. Paul Williams, Associate Professor in Politics and Journalism, Griffith University, about the "up-for-grabs" local seat of Mulgrave, and the recent election results in the Northern Territory and the parallels that could be made for Queensland.

Gavin King (covering for John MacKenzie) chats with Paul Bidwell, CEO of Master Builders Queensland, about the CFMEU's planned protests across Queensland following the sacking of hundreds of unionists amidst a government crackdown on corruption. Last Friday saw the government place the CFMEU into administration, with approximately 280 officials being dismissed.

John MacKenzie chats with Ian Leavers, who is currently the state's Police Union President and soon-to-be the Cross Border Commissioner for the Queensland Police. John discussed the need for the new position, following the revelation that youth criminals are taking advantage of legal loopholes by crossing state lines between Queensland and New South Wales.

John MacKenzie chats with Trevor Hoole, 5th Generation Goondiwindi Local, about the parallels between youth crime in Cairns and Goondiwindi, after the border town has taken out the title of car theft capital of Queensland (per capita). Failed policies and indifferent lawmakers are being called out by Queenslanders who are at breaking point when it comes to feeling safe in their own homes.

John MacKenzie chats with Keith Hamburger AM, Former Director-General of Queensland's Corrective Services Commission, about the shocking revelation that over the last decade, Queenslanders have increasingly become victims of crime. Statistics revealed by the state opposition show that there have been spikes in lawlessness, including an increase in home invasions, thefts, and assaults. Break-ins, or home invasions, are up by 45% across the state, with most of the statistics coming from Townsville in the Far North.