Ben Fordham Live on 2GB Breakfast

O programa de rádio 2GB Breakfast, apresentado por Ben Fordham, dedica uma edição especial para prestar tributo à morte da lendária cantora e compositora Dolly Parton, aos 80 anos. O episódio apresenta mensagens de luto de familiares, como seu sobrinho Brian, e de figuras públicas e amigos, incluindo a atriz Reba McEntire. A transmissão alterna entre notícias sobre o legado humanitário da artista, sua carreira musical de sucesso com mais de 100 milhões de discos vendidos, e a reprodução de seus clássicos, como '9 to 5' e 'Jolene', enquanto ouvintes compartilham seu profundo pesar.

This episode of the Ben Fordham podcast covers a wide range of domestic and international news, beginning with major Australian banks raising credit card fees and reports on police raids at CFMEU headquarters. The discussion explores environmental protests in Oberon against wind farms, political controversies surrounding textbooks at Barker College, and the impact of immigration trends on One Nation's support. The program also addresses social issues, including the importance of parental responsibility in shaping young men, allegations involving Sydney Swans players, and comedian Dave Hughes' response to criticisms regarding his property holdings. The episode concludes with updates on veteran health service caps, international news from the US and UK, and a preview of Hedley Thomas's new podcast.

Ben Fordham discusses the escalating political tension between comedian Dave Hughes and members of the Labor Party and the Greens. Following Hughes's criticisms regarding capital gains tax, discounts, and negative gearing in the budget, he has faced intense verbal attacks from Greens Senator Nick McKim. The episode explores the conflicting narratives surrounding Hughes's status as a landlord, contrasting political accusations of greed with claims of low-cost rental agreements for single parents.

An interview with journalist Chris Kenny regarding his new News 24 documentary, The Fight for the Right, which examines the rise of the One Nation party in Australia. The discussion covers Pauline Hanson's reported safety concerns while walking in Melbourne due to political animosity and explores the shifting political landscape where former Coalition voters are moving toward One Nation. The conversation also touches upon the perceived loss of trust in the Liberal Party regarding issues like immigration, net zero, and housing, as well as a controversy involving a Year 11 geography textbook that accuses 2GB and News Corp of promoting climate change denialism.

Ben Fordham discusses allegations of political bias within Australian educational materials, specifically focusing on a Year 11 geography textbook used at Barker College in Sydney. The segment examines claims that the textbook, Global Interactions 11, contains editorialized content targeting 2GB and News Corp regarding climate change denialism and advertising motives. Fordham critiques the inclusion of media criticism in a geography curriculum and raises broader concerns about activism infiltrating classrooms and universities.

This episode of the Ben Fordham Podcast explores a wide range of news, from the incredible success of Sammy's Sambrellas—an umbrella business run by a young man with Down syndrome—to the significant brand crisis facing the Sydney Swans following allegations of misconduct. The show also examines political tensions regarding One Nation's migration policy and critiques new tax incentives for foreign renewable energy investors. Additional reports cover international news, including the impact of social media trends on a fatal UK car crash and speculation surrounding Natalie Harp's role with Donald Trump. The episode concludes with updates on journalism awards, investigations at Scott's College, and a preview of the upcoming Sydney Marathon.

This episode examines the Australian government's recent decision to reduce the capital gains tax rate for foreign investors in renewable energy from 30% to 15% until 2040. The speaker critiques the perceived disparity between the tax incentives offered to overseas companies and the tax burden placed on Australian citizens, questioning why domestic investors are not receiving similar benefits. The discussion further contrasts Australia's renewable energy strategy with the massive coal power expansions currently underway in China and India. The narrator highlights the scale of China's recent coal commissioning and its focus on energy security and dispatchable power, suggesting a disconnect between Australian policy and the industrial realities faced by the world's largest economies.

Businessman Joseph Dowd, founder of It's Simple Finance and the 'Stop the Ambition Tax' campaign, is offering three Australians the opportunity to meet Prime Minister Anthony Albanese face-to-face. The meeting will take place at The Lodge in Canberra following a charity tennis match arranged by Dowd. The initiative aims to provide a platform for everyday Australians and small business owners to voice concerns regarding recent budget changes, specifically focusing on capital gains tax and negative gearing. Interested participants can submit a single question and a brief explanation of why they wish to attend via the campaign website before the August 30 deadline.

Ben Fordham discusses the ongoing crisis surrounding the Sydney Swans, following allegations of sexual assault and misconduct involving players at a hotel. The report covers the legal response from John Karantis, who represents two women involved, and details claims made by an erotic dancer regarding her treatment by her employer after reporting an assault. The episode also examines the reaction of fans at the Sydney Cricket Ground, noting both a record-breaking crowd for the AFLW side and a protest walkout by supporters disillusioned by the club's culture. While some players have been stood down, the report clarifies that no players have been formally charged or interviewed by police as investigations continue.

This episode examines the recent backlash from media personality Kate Langbrookes regarding Robert Irwin's hosting performance at the Logies. The discussion focuses on Irwin's jokes targeting industry veterans Karl Stefanovic and Dave Hughes, which Langbrookes characterized as unnecessary and disrespectful to long-standing professionals. The segment explores the broader cultural phenomenon of quickly turning on public figures following political controversies or controversial interviews.

This episode discusses significant structural changes within the ABC's Indigenous Department following decisions by ABC boss Hugh Marks. The report details the redundancy of the head of Indigenous programs and the dissolution of the department, which had operated for nearly 40 years, as the broadcaster moves toward a model where First Nations projects will be overseen by a new First Nations editor under a broader umbrella. The segment also touches upon the controversy surrounding the documentary The Dark Emu Story and the implications of removing a dedicated, separate department for Indigenous-focused programming.

Ben Fordham hosts a special 100th-anniversary broadcast of 2GB, celebrating a century of radio history with live festivities from Watson's Bay Hotel. The episode features a retrospective of significant news clips, ranging from the station's first broadcast in 1926 to major global events like the death of Queen Elizabeth II and the discovery of Cleo Smith. The program also covers critical news stories, including an investigation into police communication failures following the tragic death of hiker Lily Hooper, NDIS funding reforms, and rising rental costs in Australia. Additionally, the episode features behind-the-scenes stories from 2GB producers and reflections on the enduring power of talkback radio.

A retrospective celebration of 100 years of broadcasting at 2GB, tracing the station's history from its first transmission in Sydney on August 23, 1926. The episode features a chronological montage of landmark moments in Australian and global history, including the opening of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, wartime reports from Kokoda, the introduction of national television, and major sporting achievements like the Sydney Olympics. The compilation also covers significant news events such as the death of Princess Diana, the 9/11 attacks, the Black Summer bushfires, and more recent milestones like the legalization of same-sex marriage and the COVID-19 pandemic.

This episode reports on the withdrawal of women's rights advocate Sal Grover from an upcoming protest in Sydney following death threats. The report details specific allegations of violent messages sent to Grover and campaigner Kiralee Smith, including threats involving physical harm and references to 'TERF' labels. The segment also features 20-year-old Sophia, a soccer player who was benched after refusing to compete against male-born athletes, as she considers her participation in the same rally amidst the escalating tension.

This episode examines Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's recent admission that his appearance on the Bush Deep podcast was an error. The discussion covers the controversy surrounding comments made during the interview with comedian Nicky Osborne, including remarks regarding singer Kylie Minogue and a joke concerning the Japanese Prime Minister that was interpreted as being inappropriate. The report explores the political fallout for the Labor government and the pressure placed on female Labor MPs to defend the Prime Minister's actions.

This episode covers a wide range of domestic and international news, beginning with political pressure on Prime Minister Anthony Albanese regarding the Minister for Veterans Affairs and updates on the search for missing teenager Lily Hooper. The program also explores economic concerns such as Australia's rising national debt and NDIS funding crises, alongside significant legal developments involving casino fines and investigations into misconduct. Additionally, the episode features historical reflections on 2GB's 100th anniversary, medical breakthroughs in melanoma vaccines, and various human interest stories, ranging from a fugitive found by a Labrador to the return of a lost macaw. International reports include Portugal's ban on full-face veils and news regarding the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.

Portugal has officially banned the burqa and other garments designed to conceal the face or prevent identification in public spaces. The law, which has been adopted by Parliament, aims to protect human identity and communication, with the President stating that the face is a central element of identity. Violations of this new legislation can result in fines ranging from $250 to nearly $5,000, though exemptions exist for health, weather, artistic, or professional reasons. The episode also explores the broader international context of such bans, noting that at least 24 countries have implemented restrictions on full face coverings. This includes European nations like France, Belgium, and Germany, as well as political movements in Australia led by Pauline Hanson, who argues that such coverings are incompatible with Australian culture.

This episode discusses the upcoming Restore Women's Rights rally in Sydney, which calls for federal government amendments to the Sex Discrimination Act to better protect biological women. The conversation focuses on the impact of 2013 legislative changes that removed the definitions of man and woman from the Act, potentially affecting women-only spaces and sports. The segment features an interview with Sophia, a 20-year-old soccer player who recently went public after refusing to compete against biological males in a female competition. She discusses her experience of sitting out matches to uphold her beliefs, the pressure she faced, and her intention to speak at the rally to encourage other young women to take a stand.

Ben Fordham discusses the ongoing scandal involving the Sydney Swans, where five players have been suspended for the remainder of the AFL season following allegations of misconduct. The episode covers a police investigation into Isaac Heaney regarding claims of inappropriate touching, as well as reports from journalist Tom Morris alleging cocaine use and the booking of waitresses during the incident. Fordham examines the club's management of the crisis, addressing criticisms from politicians like Larissa Waters and Tanya Plibersek while defending the club's decision to stand down the players immediately.

This episode covers a wide range of Australian and international news, beginning with the economic impact of rising tobacco taxes on the black market and declining business survival rates. The discussion extends to legal updates involving Erin Patterson and Ben Robert Smith, alongside investigations into Sydney Swans players and a massive mortgage fraud scheme involving billions in potential illegal funds. The program also explores social and political issues, including the controversy surrounding NSW's new gun buyback scheme, rising rental costs in Australia, and the impact of record-breaking migration rates. Additional topics include NDIS reforms, a major lawsuit against Meta regarding social media's effect on children, and the use of AI in an extortion attempt involving a lost macaw.

Minister for Veterans Affairs Matt Keogh has admitted to mistakes following a tense meeting with a group of veterans regarding changes to Allied Health Services. The controversy centers on a proposed $5,000 annual cap that ex-servicemen claim will leave those with complex injuries without necessary support. Allegations have surfaced regarding the Minister's conduct during the meeting, including claims of eye-rolling and refusing to shake hands, as well as reports that Prime Minister Anthony Albanese intervened in the communication process. The episode also covers the intense pressure on the government from campaigners like Julianne Finney, who is calling for Keogh's dismissal. The discussion highlights broader issues within the defense community, including veteran suicide rates and the perceived failure of the government to uphold promises made during opposition.

The episode discusses the rising rental crisis in Australia, highlighting predictions from Ray White that rents could spike by up to 30% following recent budget changes. The segment features a personal account from sports reporter Mike Pearsall, who describes how a sudden $175 weekly rent increase forced his family to move back in with in-laws. Mike shares the emotional and financial strain of managing such an increase while on maternity leave, illustrating the broader impact of housing costs on young families. The conversation also touches on the difficulty of finding affordable housing despite having a support network.

A report on the escalating political tension between One Nation leader Pauline Hanson and Treasurer Jim Chalmers regarding superannuation reform. The dispute centers on a Labor Party text message campaign that alleges Liberal Senator Andrew Bragg intends to scrap superannuation, a claim Hanson disputes by stating her party only supports accessing funds during financial distress to prevent homelessness. The segment also covers Senator Bragg's criticism of the Treasurer's tactics and the broader context of housing affordability and budget promises in Australia.

This episode of the Ben Fordham Podcast covers a wide range of news stories, from the search for a missing teenage hiker in NSW to political debates regarding NDIS reforms and tobacco excise. The program also investigates allegations involving Sydney Swans players, explores the impact of high migration rates on national infrastructure, and discusses property market predictions regarding rising rents. Additionally, the episode features the heartwarming success of Sammy's umbrella business, a tribute to Vietnam veterans, and local controversies in Willoughby and North Sydney. The show concludes with a look at the history of Blue Eye Dragon restaurant and a series of 'on this day' historical milestones.

Following a previous report on Sammy, a 21-year-old from Sydney with Down syndrome who creates colorful umbrellas, Brendan and Maria return to share the overwhelming response to his initiative. The project, which raises funds for the Hornsby Kuringai Women's Shelter to support women escaping domestic violence, has seen an incredible surge in sales, reaching 1,173 umbrellas sold within 24 hours. The episode details the massive community support, the emotional impact on Sammy and his family, and the ongoing mission to bring color to the streets of Sydney through Sammy's World of Colours.

A tense exchange has unfolded in Canberra between a group of ex-servicemen and the Minister for Veterans Affairs, Matt Keogh. The veterans are lobbying the federal government against a new $5,000 annual cap on Allied Health Services, arguing that the budgetary decision threatens those with complex injuries and could lead to increased rates of death and suicide within the veteran community. Mark Diplock, CEO of Salute Our Service, discusses the breakdown in communication during a recent meeting with the Minister. The discussion covers the lack of acknowledgement from the Minister during parliamentary proceedings and the dismissive atmosphere of the subsequent private meeting, where the decision to maintain the cap was described as a political and budgetary choice rather than a policy-driven one.

Ben Fordham discusses the impact of high migration levels in Australia, highlighting the discrepancy between government statements and actual net overseas migration figures. The segment introduces the Revive Australia Migration Tracker, a tool created by former Australian Taxpayers Alliance executive director Brian Marlow that uses Bureau of Statistics and Home Affairs data to monitor arrivals in real time. The discussion focuses on the scale of recent population growth, noting that net migration has added significant numbers to the national population, comparable to the size of major cities. Fordham raises concerns regarding the adequacy of national infrastructure, such as housing, hospitals, and schools, to support the continuous influx of temporary and permanent visa holders.

This episode of the Ben Fordham Podcast covers a wide range of Australian news, from political polling updates and debates over NSW gun buyback schemes to economic concerns regarding immigration and the illegal tobacco trade. The show also explores local stories, including an investigation into taxpayer funding for activist groups and the impact of property tax changes on first home buyers. The episode features heartwarming community highlights, such as the story of Sammy, a 21-year-old artist with Down syndrome running a charitable umbrella business, and an interview with actor Michael Theo. The program concludes with a historical retrospective of significant events that occurred on August 17th.

This episode examines the recent decline in first home buyer loan commitments following changes to property tax policies under Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. Featuring analysis from real estate auctioneer Tom Panos, the discussion explores how ABS lending data shows a 2.9% fall in June quarter commitments despite government reforms intended to assist entry into the market. The conversation covers the impact of falling house prices at the expensive end of the market, the lack of relief for lower-priced properties, and the resulting gridlock between hesitant buyers and vendors.

The episode discusses the intense debate surrounding New South Wales' introduction of the National Gun Buyback Scheme, a policy response to the Bondi Beach terror attack. The scheme aims to remove approximately 250,000 weapons from the streets through a two-stage rollout involving financial incentives for firearm owners. The program faces significant opposition from political figures like Kelly Sloan and Barnaby Joyce, who argue that the buyback targets law-abiding citizens rather than terrorists. The discussion also covers an incident involving the alleged assault of an elderly One Nation party worker by teenagers in Queensland.

Ben Fordham discusses a report from Jordan Abu Zid and Morgan Begg of the Institute of Public Affairs (IPA) regarding the distribution of taxpayer funds to activist groups. The report claims that between 2021 and 2025, approximately $2.2 billion was allocated to 100 activist groups, with a significant portion directed toward diversity, multicultural advocacy, welfare, legal advocacy, and environmental lobbying. The commentary focuses on the perceived lack of political neutrality in government funding, suggesting that the allocation of funds creates an uneven playing field in public debate. Specific examples cited include funding for Reconciliation Australia during the Voice referendum and grants to organizations such as the Nature Conservation Council of New South Wales and the Environmental Defender's Office.

Ben Fordham discusses the current state of Australia's migration policy, describing a phenomenon he calls a migration trap. The commentary explores the tension between public demand for reduced immigration to alleviate pressure on hospitals and infrastructure versus warnings from the Reserve Bank of Australia regarding economic recovery and productivity growth. The episode examines historical migration trends, comparing net overseas migration figures from previous prime ministers to the current administration's levels.

This episode examines the financial impact of Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's recent budget changes on his personal property holdings. Following adjustments to negative gearing and capital gains tax rules, real estate experts estimate that the Prime Minister's Copacabana mansion has lost approximately $350,000 in value. The report also covers the political fallout from these policy shifts, including a new Liberal Party advertising campaign targeting the Prime Minister regarding broken promises and election commitments.

Este episódio aborda uma série de notícias urgentes e debates globais, começando pelas ameaças contra o Primeiro-Ministro australiano Anthony Albanese e os detalhes de sua conversa diplomática com Donald Trump. O programa explora também os riscos da inteligência artificial, as preocupações com efeitos colaterais graves em medicamentos para perda de peso e o impacto financeiro de subsídios governamentais. A cobertura estende-se a temas de segurança e infraestrutura, incluindo incidentes no Aeroporto de Sydney, novas regulamentações para e-bikes em NSW e críticas a projetos de energia eólica. O episódio encerra com histórias variadas, desde crimes internacionais e controvérserias culturais até marcos históricos e curiosidades sobre personalidades do esporte e da cultura.

Ben Fordham examines the current state of Australia's offshore wind ambitions, arguing that Energy Minister Chris Bowen's grand vision is failing to materialize. Despite significant taxpayer support and the identification of six priority areas, no offshore wind farms have been completed, and several key zones face significant regulatory and developmental hurdles. The episode explores concerns regarding technological risks, environmental impacts on marine life, and the economic viability of deep-water projects compared to onshore alternatives.

This episode discusses a recent confrontation between One Nation leader Pauline Hanson and News 24 host Chris Kenny. The discussion centers on Hanson's accusation that Kenny attempted to use a 'gotcha moment' during an interview for the upcoming documentary, The Fight for the Right. Through an analysis of their exchange, the program explores Hanson's political instincts and the challenges she would face regarding foreign affairs if she were to become Prime Minister. The segment also features a breakdown of the specific interview moments involving questions about the leaders of Indonesia and Japan. Host Ben examines Kenny's perspective on the importance of accountability in political leadership and provides the correct names for the international figures discussed during the heated exchange.

O episódio aborda uma notícia de última hora sobre um telefonema entre o Primeiro-Ministro australiano Anthony Albanese e Donald Trump. A reportagem detalha a confirmação de um oficial da Casa Branca sobre a realização da chamada, levantando questões sobre os temas discutidos, como tarifas comerciais, minerais críticos e o progresso do acordo AUKUS. A discussão explora o contexto diplomático entre as duas nações, mencionando encontros anteriores em Washington D.C. e a incerteza sobre a continuidade de projetos estratégicos desde o retorno de Trump ao cargo.

This episode of Breakfast with Ben Fordham covers a wide range of domestic and international news, from the reversal of visa cancellations for New Zealand criminals to significant Australian defence export deals. The program explores critical issues regarding Australia's energy transition reliability, military security concerns involving drone incursions, and the economic impact of unpaid traffic fines in Sydney. Additionally, the show features interviews with former SAS soldier Wayne Weeks on war crimes allegations and retiring Assistant Commissioner Peter Cotter on his 42-year police career. The episode also touches on lighter topics, including rising 'grey divorce' trends, historical anniversaries, and various listener stories.

This episode of 2GB's Sydney's best breakfast covers Barnaby Joyce's controversial claim that Pauline Hanson's party is one of the gayest in Australia. The discussion follows backlash regarding a former One Nation candidate, Parminder Singh, who described same-sex attraction as a mental illness. While Joyce distances himself from those comments, calling them highly offensive, he maintains his assertion about the party's composition. The broadcast also covers the 'Students Say No to Hanson' protest, where thousands of students are expected to walk out of classrooms across Australia. The segment explores the tension between student demonstrators, who accuse One Nation of promoting racism and homophobia, and Barnaby Joyce, who blames left-wing teachers for inciting the protests.

This episode discusses recent data from the Australian Institute of Marine Science indicating that coral cover on the Great Barrier Reef has bounced back and remains at near record levels. The report highlights the reef's resilience despite experiencing five bleaching events, with more coral recorded in each of the last six years than in the previous 35 years. The program features perspectives from Dr. Peter Ridd, chairman of the Australian Environment Foundation, who criticizes climate alarmists and calls for a review of scientific institutions. Dr. Ridd discusses his new campaign, Check the Science, which aims to audit government-funded scientific bodies to address concerns regarding groupthink and ideological bias in environmental reporting.

Former SAS soldier Wayne Weeks joins the program to discuss a recent article published in the Journal of Military Ethics, co-authored with Martin McCarthy. Drawing on interviews with 33 former SAS members, Weeks presents an attack on Army leadership, alleging that senior officers have become too removed from the battlefield and failed to understand the realities of war. The discussion covers the handling of war crimes allegations involving soldiers such as Ben Roberts-Smith and Oliver Schultz, the perceived failures of the IGADF investigation, and the personal risks taken by those speaking out against the military top brass.

Este episódio aborda uma série de temas urgentes na Austrália, desde as pressões econômicas causadas pela migração e as previsões sobre as taxas de juros do RBA até investigações de fraudes no NDIS e crimes envolvendo armas 3D. O programa também explora controvérsias políticas, como a transparência governamental e tensões parlamentares. A discussão estende-se a relatos internacionais e sociais, incluindo a crise migratória no Reino Unido, o impacto de projetos de água potável pela Jesuit Mission Australia e atualizações sobre casos de grande repercussão, como a situação jurídica de Ahmed El Ahmed.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese faces intense criticism following comments made during a podcast regarding a gift of melons from Japanese leader Sanae Takaichi. The remarks, which included comparisons to Pamela Anderson, have drawn condemnation from former Prime Minister Tony Abbott and Liberal MP Mary Aldred, who characterized the comments as classless and disrespectful. The episode features an interview with One Nation MP Barnaby Joyce, who questions the transparency of the gift's registration and criticizes the Prime Minister's handling of the controversy. The discussion also touches upon the lack of a verbatim transcript for the podcast in question and concludes with Joyce addressing upcoming student protests against One Nation.

This episode of 2GB features a discussion regarding a recent confrontation during a parliamentary inquiry into racism involving Senator Lydia Thorpe and Dr. Peter Ballin, OAM. The segment explores the heated exchange where Senator Thorpe accused Dr. Ballin of representing racism and suggested the eradication of people with his views, following his arguments for removing race-based programs and Welcome to Country ceremonies. Dr. Ballin discusses his perspective on Australian unity, the impact of separatist language, and his opposition to Welcome to Country ceremonies in schools. The conversation covers the nature of the parliamentary inquiry proceedings and the broader debate surrounding cultural identity and social cohesion in Australia.

Ben Fordham investigates a Sydney-based business that facilitates arranged marriages with a specific focus on leveraging Australian permanent residency status. The report examines an advertisement for a 31-year-old man where the broker explicitly uses his PR status as a selling point to attract overseas brides, suggesting that marriage could provide a pathway for both the spouse and potentially their parents to secure residency in Australia. The episode explores the ethical implications of using migration pathways as a matrimonial incentive and includes commentary from Macro Business Chief Economist Leith Van Onselen regarding the need for authorities to monitor such advertisements.

Este episódio aborda uma ampla gama de notícias globais e locais, desde o impacto de um terremoto na Colômbia até debates sobre a obrigatoriedade do inglês em sinalizações comerciais em Strathfield. O programa explora polêmicas políticas envolvendo a senadora Lydia Thorpe e o Primeiro-Ministro Anthony Albanese, além de investigar casos curiosos como a identidade do 'Burwood Birdman' e uma investigação policial que revelou ser uma boneca. A cobertura estende-se a temas econômicos e sociais, incluindo as dificuldades dos jovens no mercado imobiliário, tendências no setor automotivo e o aumento nos custos de seguros. O episódio também presta tributo a figuras como Tanya Verstack e Robin Williams, encerrando com atualizações sobre segurança nacional e fatos históricos.

Ben Fordham reports on a heated parliamentary inquiry into racism involving Senator Lydia Thorpe and former CEO Peter Ballin. The segment details an intense confrontation where Thorpe questioned Ballin regarding his views on Welcome to Country ceremonies and race-based programs, accusing him of advocating for cultural genocide and failing to pay rent on stolen land. The report also examines Thorpe's broader accusations of systemic racism, including her personal account of a security incident at Canberra Airport.