00:08
On 2GB Sydney and network stations across Australia, this is Mornings with Mark Levy.
00:17
A very good morning to you on this Tuesday, the 4th of August. I'm Mark Levy. Welcome to Mornings as we broadcast in Sydney, Canberra and across Australia on the 2GB app. Coming up on the show today, the housing market on its knees because of this Albanese government. A broken promise from the New South Wales Premier when it comes to toll reform. Alan Jones returns to court for the second day of his criminal trial, while in sport the Aussie swimmer who missed competition because he was out drinking in Glasgow. Quick look at Sydney's Weather Careabout, a free independent matching service, connecting you with compatible aged care support call 131300 and we're in for a sunny day with a top of 19 in the city the same out west while in Canberra for our two double C listeners morning frost developing into a partly cloudy day with a high of 12 degrees as always love to hear from you this morning the number to call 131873 you can email me at 2gb.com and you can shoot through a text on 0460 873873 Well, the government has officially sold the Australian people a lemon.
01:17
With its changes to negative gearing and the capital gains tax announced in the budget, it has backfired big time.
01:24
Now, Anthony Albanese has picked a good time to be on leave because he doesn't have to explain himself. He'll instead leave that up to Jim Chalmers and the acting Prime Minister, Richard Marles.
01:36
Well, I'd love to know how they're going to spin their way out of this and explain it as well.
01:41
Because Mackenzie Scott and Noah Yim are reporting on the front page of The Australian Today that property values have fallen by $230 billion in a once-in-a-generation housing slump that threatens to worsen in coming months as developer Tim Gerner warns the nation faces a housing supply crisis amid a sentiment of fear created by Albanese government policies.
02:08
As increasing numbers of property owners are dragged into negative equity, Labor Assistant Minister Matt Thistlethwaite made an extraordinary blunder on national television by confusing the term with defaulting on home loan repayments.
02:25
After a 1.8% drop in house prices since March on the back of Labor Day's property tax overhaul, global economic turmoil and interest rate rises, fresh analysis from PropTrack shows the total value of the nation's property market sank from $12.77 trillion to $12.54 trillion in just four months. Four months.
02:54
Should prices continue to slump over the longer term and decline by 10%, as has been targeted, more than $1.25 trillion could be wiped from the market, bringing the value of all housing to $11.49 trillion.
03:11
For individual homeowners, the medium home price would fall from $849,000 to $764,100. As the overall market retracts under the pressure of deteriorating economic conditions and the Albanese government's policies, The Australian newspaper has today revealed that taxpayers now carry $11 billion of liability because the total value of home loans that Labor's 5% deposit scheme supports has more than quintupled since Labor came into power in 22.
03:43
The number of people going into the scheme, including a large number of high earners, picked up sharply with New Housing Australia data showing that almost 60% of them have taken out loans worth more than 94% of the house price. And PropTrack's analysis shows the cheapest quarter of homes across several markets has remained more resilient to the downturn than the expensive top end and middle markets. Now, Mr Gurner, one of the country's biggest apartment developers, said the free-falling property market was making it almost impossible for small to medium operators to get housing projects off the ground.
04:18
He said, right now you've got sentiment problems, you've got debt problems, capital problems, construction issues. It's never been harder to develop residential real estate. What we're seeing in the market now with clearance rates and pricing, that's not a fundamental real estate issue. That is purely a sentiment and sentiment of fear that has been created by the government.
04:38
Now, when it comes to what we're facing here in Sydney, given Sydney property prices have now fallen by more than 5% from their peak in January following the tax changes in Jim Chalmers' May budget, independent property economist Cameron Kushner said there were definitely first home buyers now in negative equity. This was brought on by the double whammy of Labor's decision to expand the 5% deposit scheme, thereby introducing a wave of new highly indebted homeowners and subsequent housing price falls. He said there are first home buyers that have come into the market recently and are now more susceptible to negative equity.
05:15
Now, I'm going to catch up with Tom Panos, who's been fairly outspoken about all of this. We'll chat to Tom in the second hour of the program. And as Geoff Chambers writes today in his opinion piece, you don't have to be a mortgage broker to understand negative equity means the market value of your property is lower than the balance remaining on your home line.
05:33
So what happened to making it easier for first home buyers?
05:36
Isn't that what the Albanese government has been trying to sell to the Australian people?
05:41
Well, let me break it down for them. Through its changes in the budget, Labor has turned the great Australian dream into the great Australian nightmare.
05:49
What do you make of it, folks? Have we got any real estate agents or property buyers listening in this morning? Investors, those people trying to enter the market. Are you starting to see through the political spin in Canberra? They haven't made it easier for first home buyers. The government has instead made it even more difficult for everyone. We'll have a chat about it this morning and if you'd like to have your say, the number to call 131873. You can email me at 2GB.com and you can text me 0460 873 873. Now, while we're talking about the cost of things, I want to have a chat about the so-called toll relief that's been announced by the New South Wales government because it costs a fortune to use the roads.
06:28
Everyone knows that.
06:29
In fact, there's a survey out today by the NRMA Josh Hanrahan reports today in the telly that road tolls and dangerous driving are among the top concerns of motorists, while fuel prices are also a major worry at a time when experts say they could soon soar above $2 a litre.
06:45
As the death toll on New South Wales roads continues to rise, poor road conditions are another key anxiety every time drivers get behind the wheel. According to fresh data obtained from a survey of more than 42,000 motorists, the survey of members by insurance giant NRMA revealed 75% of motorists' safe fuel prices are the biggest driving-related concern.
07:08
They've also nominated tolls and the cost of using the road network here in Sydney as being a big, big problem.
07:16
Now, I would have thought there's proof that drivers are crying out for some relief from the tolls that we have to pay to get around the city.
07:24
Now, Chris Minns, he made an announcement yesterday, right? And he went to the last election and won it off the back of the pledge to overhaul the toll network. And let's not forget either, the Premier also spent millions of your money to produce a report which has largely been ignored. And what did they come up with?
07:41
Yes, some modest savings on some of the toll roads, but the state government is going to add a toll in both directions on the Harbour Bridge and the eastern distributor.
07:51
So the Premier has clearly broken one of his key election promises.
07:56
As James O'Doherty writes today in The Telegraph, taxpayers will fully fund the widening of the M7, M2 bottleneck in exchange for motorists saving some spare change on every trip under a historic deal that will reduce the cost of tolls in Sydney for the first time.
08:12
With an eye to the looming state election, the Minns Government has agreed to fast-track an $850 million road widening in Sydney's booming north-west in exchange for trans-urban and toll road investors agreeing to cut tolls by 10% on four roads.
08:28
But the savings which Premier Chris Minns conceded yesterday would be modest come at a cost of broken previous election promise not to bring in new tolls, with the government to introduce a toll on the eastern distributor on top of charging motorists to use the harbour bridge and tunnel in both directions.
08:46
Under contracts struck by previous governments, tolls will continue to increase in line with inflation. However, from July 1 of 2027, a 10% discount will be applied to tolls on the Lane Cove Tunnel and to the majority of trips on the M2. That will lead to drivers paying slightly less than they are today.
09:05
So it sounds like, OK, well, you've struck a deal to those on Macquarie Street to look after those that use the and are causing grief by the bottlenecks on the M7 and M2. But what about all the people that rely on the bridge and the tunnel and the eastern distributor? What, do they not matter anymore, do they?
09:23
Now, look, there's no doubt it's a complex issue, but when politicians break promises, they're usually made to pay. Having said that, Labor has timed the announcement of its toll reform to coincide with the ICAC hearings into the Liberal Party branch stacking and donation scandal so they can afford to break promises. They're not up against an opposition.
09:43
And it's impossible for the Coalition to have a crack because it was the Liberals and Nationals who sold off these roads to private operators in the first place.
09:51
Either way, we get the same result. Motorists are the ones who end up paying the money.
09:56
Now, while it's great, you hear about, oh, jeez, oh, well, the tolls are coming down. That's great. They're still going to rise with inflation. So, you know, so again, some political spin being applied to this, you know, all the while these cost of living pressures are getting more and more difficult to manage for struggling families across Australia. I've been talking a lot lately about all those people who were writing to me saying, Mark, I'm having to choose whether to pay my bills or put food on the table for my family.
10:20
Well, as Brendan Casey reports today, nearly 3.6 million Australians have been pushed into food hardship in the past six months.
10:30
New YouGov research commissioned by food charity Second Bite and Food Bank Australia shows 85% of Australians have felt budgeted pressure recently, with 41% forced to choose between buying food or paying an essential bill.
10:45
85% have felt the pressure. 41% have had to choose between paying a bill or putting food on the table for their family.
10:54
If that doesn't show and prove that we are still facing a rising cost of living crisis, I don't know what does.
11:03
So, again, I don't know what these state and federal governments are doing. All they keep saying is, oh, we're helping. We're bringing down the cost of living. Well, no, you're not. You've done nothing.
11:14
It's the common complaint I'm receiving day after day from our listeners right across Australia. And keep them coming because we'll keep highlighting the struggles of hard-working, everyday Australians who are struggling to make ends meet.
11:27
Now, we are expecting another media circus outside the Downing Centre, and I think that'll probably be the theme over the next few months as Alan Jones arrives for the second day of his lengthy criminal trial over allegations he indecently assaulted and sexually touched six complainants between 2003 and 2020. Now, the trial judge, Glenn Walsh, was told yesterday, and Nathaniel Cooper has the story, A former promising athlete told the court Alan Jones squeezed his penis while he was driving the Radio King to his Southern Highlands farm and on another occasion kissed him on the mouth in a chomping action that covered his face from his nose to his chin.
12:07
Complainant Jay was a teenager when he met Jones and became a protege of the broadcaster who paid him a weekly allowance and bought him a car.
12:15
He said he feared he would lose everything if he told anyone about the allegations.
12:20
Jay, who cannot be named for legal reasons, told the first day of the trial for indecent assault and sexual touching that he was stuck when the broadcaster groped him over his clothing while he was driving him to his Fitzroy Falls farm.
12:35
Now, the court heard Jones took a strong interest in the athlete's career, paying him a stipend that began at $350 a week before rising to $600 a week and bought him a car. He invited him to his home and to events where he met the Prime Minister, John Howard, the former Prime Minister, John Howard.
12:52
Now, it's important to make clear that the 85-year-old has pleaded not guilty to all charges against him and Alan Jones remained silent in the courtroom. No great surprise. I know he was very vocal behind a microphone, but you can't shout and scream in a court of law. You have to sit there and wait for your opportunity to speak if you take that opportunity. Now, Alan Jones Barris to Gabriel Bashir SC said the case was driven by rivalry, treachery, double dealing, money, hatred, desperation, opportunism and more.
13:23
Ms Beshear said media rivals and rivalries were deeply involved in the case against Jones. She told the court four of the six complainants were part of a trial by media that was thrashed out before the public.
13:35
She told the court Sydney Morning Herald journalist Peter Fitzsimons and Kate McClymont were looking for a story about the broadcaster as far back as 2019 and the person who delivered that story was complainant C, a staff member at 2GB. She said C worked for Jones' arch-rival Ray Hadley who coveted his breakfast spot and then the court would hear evidence of Hadley's resolve to destroy Jones. And one by one, tear his supporters apart. She said the rumours and media coverage have followed Jones would be at the heart of more than a possibility of contamination of the evidence.
14:09
And that trial will continue this morning. And if there's anything to come from that, we'll certainly share it with you. We've also got the ICAC inquiry continuing into the Liberal Party branch stacking and donation scandal. We'll keep an eye on that for you.
14:23
Also making news on this Tuesday, the leader of the most high-profile Jewish body in the US has used his trip to Sydney to one of the 15 people killed in the Bondi Beach terror attack and to remind Australian politicians that the world is watching how they respond to the anti-Semitism crisis.
14:41
American Anti-Defamation League Chief Executive Jonathan Greenblatt is in Sydney at the moment and I'm delighted to say that he'll be joining me in the studio tomorrow to talk about what needs to change in this country.
14:52
And I'll have a bit to say later in the show, I've been doing some homework the last couple of days when it comes to the census.
15:00
Now, given what's played out over the last three years, when you are asked to nominate your religion in the census, Judaism is not an option.
15:11
Under the census, Jewish Australians have been told they have to click other and write in Jewish or Judaism.
15:17
So we'll have a bit more to say about that later in the show.
15:20
I'll also talk more about the threat of bird flu because government ministers are warning that Australia's first mass mortality event is just the beginning. And we've got farmers being told to brace for the disease possibly affecting the agricultural sector. Now, the problem for the authorities is they can't stop the spread. The Minister responsible Julie Collins admits their efforts have shifted to building up resilience rather than prevention, as millions of birds are due to arrive in Australia for the coming migratory season. So that's all playing out there.
15:53
Two men have been charged over that scare down at Moore Park yesterday, the entertainment quarter. 35 and 39-year-old men were arrested with officers seizing a replica firearm, a vest, plastic handcuffs and a badge. The older man was also allegedly in possession of illicit drugs. It caused a huge scare down there at the old Fox studio. So those two were entitled to their day in court. And look, just on One Nation, they ended up barring. I wasn't aware of this. They barred journalists from the ABC Guardian and The Age from the press conference that we covered yesterday in Melbourne where Pauline Hanson announced some of the candidates who will run at the Victorian state election.
16:33
One Nation will also be setting up a branch in the seat of Canning over in WA, which is held by Liberal MP Andrew Hastie, who they intend on beating at the federal election in 2028. So they're certainly making their presence felt out and about in the country, One Nation. So they're pretty intent on going after Andrew Hastie. So we'll wait and see how that plays out over the next 18 months. Now we turn to sports, snoring or waking up exhausted. Visit resmed.com.au and take a free online sleep assessment or find a store near you.
17:04
I just wanted to start the sport segment here by sending my best wishes to a bloke I see and speak to at the footy most weekends.
17:11
I was saddened by the news this morning that I read in the telly and I saw it on social media last night that the manly legend turned commentator John Gibbs has been diagnosed with cancer.
17:22
The former halfback has been diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma.
17:27
Obviously, a former colleague of mine, Andrew Moore, is now heading up the ABC grandstand coverage. And I interviewed Andrew and Gibbsy for our 40th year celebrations of the continuous call team. And he's such a character, Gibbsy. So, mate, we're all right behind you. If there's anything you need from us, you just sing out, mate. He's a really good fella, John Gibbs, so he's got a battle ahead of him. Meantime, Matt King has been confirmed as the new coach of the New South Wales Origin team for the next two years, despite reports suggesting Ivan Cleary might take over when he finishes up at the Panthers.
17:59
I think it's a great appointment. I really like Matt King. He's worn the jumper. He served a lengthy apprenticeship under Trent Robinson at the Roosters. He's worked under Loz with the Origin team. So I think he'll do a fantastic job. Well done to Matt King. And Tyson Jackson is reporting some news out of the Bulldogs that Stephen Crichton says his time in the six jumper may be limited despite the club's recent success with him steering the ship. And they've got some really good young players rising through the ranks and he might have to make way for them. And he's in the paper today virtually saying, I know that.
18:30
And when I go back to the centres, I'll obviously do what's right for the team. So that's what's happening there.
18:36
Believe it or not, we've got the first cricket test next week. Australia and Bangladesh in Darwin. We've got an injury concern for Josh Inglis. He limped off the field yesterday in Brisbane with some back spasms. Australian swimmer Isaac Cooper has stood himself down as a member of the Dolphins Athlete Leadership Group after missing the final night of competition and the team's closing meeting at the Commonwealth Games after a drinking session in Glasgow. That story on the back page of The Herald.
19:03
Great story today about Lucas Harrington, who's about to go through a life-changing experience in the English Premier League. He's making a move, by the looks of things, to Hull City from American Major League Club, the Colorado Rapids. And we can't forget the Wallabies. They kick off their new era under Les Kiss this weekend when they tackle Japan in Osaka. So that's what's happening in sports. So there's plenty for us to talk about this morning. If you've got an opinion to share, story to tell something to report, The number to call 131873. You can email me at 2GB.com or you can text me 0460 873 873.
19:38
You're with Mark Levy as we broadcast on 2GB in Sydney through the 2GB app and via network stations right across Australia.
19:50
Now, I'll come back with your feedback. I just want to take a break at 27 past nine. When I come back, I... Got some really, really sad news to share with you. I'll tell you more about that in just a second. So we're underway for this Tuesday. There's already a lot of messages coming through. We'll get to those in just a sec, but 27 past nine, a break back with more.
20:09
Welcome back, 9.30 on this Tuesday morning.
20:14
This is going to be extremely difficult, but I need to share some sad news with you.
20:21
Over the last few weeks...
20:25
I've been following the journey of an 82-year-old grandfather and his 18-year-old son, Bob Montgomery and Tom Malcolm.
20:38
They were riding from Broome to Bowral and they achieved that on Sunday.
20:44
Bob's 82, Tom just 18.
20:49
When they got to Bowral, Tom said to his papa, he said, I'm gonna ride to Sydney.
20:57
So they rode to Sydney and I was told that there was going to be a welcoming home party, if you like, down at Club Rose Bay yesterday. And I went along and lent my support to both Bob and Tom and to what they're doing in relation to raising money for Fight MND.
21:17
It was so good to see Jai Arrow there as well as a surprise given Jai's battling MND at the moment.
21:25
I was able to shake Bob's hand and to shake Tom's hand and I recorded a chat with Bob and Tom and the CEO of MND New South Wales. I had a chat with the South Sydney boss, Blake Solly, who was down there as well.
21:39
And it was just a wonderful celebration of the achievement at 5,000 kilometres riding from Broom to Boweral and then, of course, Tom riding to Sydney.
21:50
When I left that function, Bob was standing there holding a schooner of beer and he had a smile from ear to ear.
21:59
And he was just blown away by the support.
22:04
I left at about 5.30. I went home, had some dinner and I went to bed.
22:09
I woke up at about 10 o'clock.
22:12
You know when you just think something's just not right?
22:15
I rolled over and I picked up my phone and I had a message from a dear friend of mine, Charles Kelly, who's great friends of the family, of Bob and of Tom and the wider family.
22:31
And Charles was alerting me to the fact that when Bob left that function down at Club Rose Bay yesterday, 82-year-old Bob Montgomery, in the car with his wife Jenny on the way home, he suffered a medical episode and he passed away.
22:50
He leaves behind 11 grandchildren.
22:53
His three beautiful daughters, Alison Lee and Annie.
23:00
And his wife wanted me to say that the ambulance service, the police and St George Hospital were all so kind.
23:10
Life can just be so, so cruel.
23:14
Bob and Tom raised over $86,000 for Fight MND.
23:21
They rode 5,000 kilometres from Broome to Bowral.
23:24
There was a celebration yesterday and I've been weighing up whether to play the chat that I recorded with Bob and Tom and with Blake Solly and with Tom from MND New South Wales. And I, with approval from the family, they'd love me to share it with you because it celebrates what Bob and Tom have been able to achieve.
23:47
I'm heartbroken for the family.
23:51
but I feel so grateful to have met Bob Montgomery, an extraordinary man.
23:57
And I pulled up his website this morning, bobmontgomery.com.au.
24:03
And the last two paragraphs of when you click on About Bob, it says, today as I embark on another long-distance ride, I acknowledge my wife Jenny, our three beautiful daughters, Alison, Lee and Annie, and their husbands, as well as our 11 amazing grandchildren, without whose support my dreams would have been almost impossible to achieve.
24:22
This is a charity I hold close to my heart. I've continued to ride and raise funds for those who no longer can.
24:31
He's one of the most remarkable and special people I've ever met.
24:35
And with approval from Bob's family, I wanted to play the chat that I recorded with him yesterday and Tom and others down at the celebration at Club Rose Bay.
24:47
Well, we're down here at Club Rose Bay because you wouldn't believe it, the two gents that we've been following from Broome to Bowerall, Bob and Tom, they've arrived. They arrived in Bowerall on Sunday and Tom decided, well, I'm just going to keep riding and ride to Sydney. I've got Bob with me. Bob, how are you feeling?
25:04
I'm feeling, buddy, wonderful considering what we've done. It's just been an amazing struggle with the winds the whole way. But we're looked after by the ladies. They gave us plenty of lovey.
25:17
Plenty of food, mate. I can't believe how much Tom can eat.
25:22
It's called sustenance, isn't it?
25:23
Oh, it's supposed to be. Yeah, that's it.
25:26
Well, you've got one in your hand at the moment, a nice cold beer, which is well deserved. I've got Liam O'Meara here as well, the CEO of MND New South Wales. Liam, there's so much fundraising happening at the moment for this. I call it a bastard of a disease. That's exactly what it is. It's inspirational what these two blokes have done.
25:42
It's huge. You know, and it's not taking anything away from what other people have done. And we love, you know, everybody who raises money for us. But to get on a bike and ride 5,000 kilometres, particularly, you know, at the age of 82, I mean, what do you say? Unbelievable.
25:56
And, I mean, Jai Arrow is here today. I'll see if I can grab Blake Solly in just a second as well, the boss of the South Sydney Rabbitohs. In fact, Blake, come over. Blake Solly's here. You've come down with Jai Arrow. Jai's done that much media. I said to him, I said, Jai, you're allowed to say no, so I'm not even going to ask him. But what Bob and what Tom have done and what Liam's doing through Fight MND and MND New South Wales, unbelievable.
26:17
Yeah, what Bob and Tom have done to ride 5,000 kilometres from broom to barrel, it defies the imagination really when you start to think about it. But to do it for such a good cause and to raise so much money for this insidious disease that everyone's trying to fight and hopefully at some stage beat. How's Jai going? Yeah, Jai's good. Obviously, his speech isn't great, but he's still managing to annoy everyone, which is a remarkable achievement. If you ask Cody Walker what he thinks of Jai at the moment, he'd tell you. But, no, he's down to training every day. He's having his meals with our cafe down there at the training centre, and it's just great to have him around.
26:50
He's inspiring us every day by the way he's fighting MND.
26:53
Good on you for sticking by him too, Blake. You're a good man, the CEO. Look, Liam, the money that's been raised by Bob and Tom, where will that go to help people that are suffering the disease?
27:02
Yeah, that'll go directly back to the participants and families who are suffering from the disease right now. We've got 700-odd families that that money will all contribute to. That'll be equipment provision, support services, carer services, education, you name it. But certainly, yeah, right back to the families that need it.
27:18
Good stuff. Liam, well done for what you're doing. Where is the young bloke? Look at him over there being social, over there with Jai. I'll see if I can wander over and have a quick chat to him because he's ridden all the way from Broome to Bowral, Bowral to Sydney.
27:34
How are you feeling?
27:35
I'm pretty shattered, to be honest, Mark, but I did it for a great cause, and I'm very, very happy to be done.
27:41
So am I right in saying, so you've got to Bowerall, so that was the mission, ride from Broome to Bowerall, and then once you got to Bowerall, you said, you know what, I'm not done with, I'm going to drive to Sydney, or ride to Sydney. Is that what you've done?
27:51
Yeah, so basically I was kind of thinking to myself, I'll come this far. Might as well go Indian Ocean to Pacific Ocean. Don't get to do that very often. So, yeah, I've just decided, you know, I'll come into Sydney.
28:03
And just paint a picture for us. I was driving along the main road here into Rose Bay. I was running a bit late to get in from the city. Mate, there were school kids. I saw bagpipes. What else did you see riding in?
28:13
Oh, well, I actually almost fell over. Like, literally, as I was turning into the road, a car decided to pull out right in front of me and I'd slam on the brakes. It's nothing like riding in the country. Take me back. I don't like riding in Sydney.
28:28
Oh, it's just such a joyous afternoon celebrating their achievements.
28:32
And you heard there from Liam from MND New South Wales. He's just sent this to me. Mark, we are so deeply saddened. Could you please share this on behalf of me and my team?
28:43
It says, ''We are deeply saddened by the passing of Bob Montgomery, a cherished friend and tireless supporter of MND New South Wales. For many years, Bob raised vital funds and awareness for people living with MND. His most recent achievement, riding from broom to barrel at the age of 82 alongside his 18-year-old grandson, was nothing short of inspirational.'' Through that incredible journey, Bob helped educate communities across Australia about MND and the important work of MND New South Wales. Our heartfelt condolences go to Bob's wonderful family and friends, many of whom we had the privilege of getting to know.
29:16
Bob leaves behind an extraordinary legacy of generosity, determination and service, and we will honour Bob with one of our highest recognitions and in his memory continue the work he was so passionate about. It will be greatly missed, but his impact on the MND community will never be forgotten.
29:34
Well, first and foremost, to Bob's family and friends, from the bottom of my heart, I am so sorry.
29:41
But please know that he leaves a legacy that will live on through the money that he's raised and the inspiration that he has given so many people to carry on raising money to find a cure for this insidious disease.
29:55
Bob Montgomery was 82.
30:11
I've kept it together all night this morning. It's just so upsetting.
30:25
82-year-old grandfather and his grandson.
30:29
celebrates down at Rosebone, he passes away on the way home. Just so terrible.
30:34
I might need your help to get me through this morning, folks. We'll take a break at quarter to ten.
30:37
I'll compose myself and come back with more in a sec.
30:41
Yeah, thank you to all the people getting in touch. I think the best thing we can do in memory of Bob is to pledge some money to what him and Tom have been able to achieve. You're still able to donate if you go to bobmontgomery.com.au, bobmontgomery.com.au, and up the top you can hit donate now, and I'll certainly be doing that again today. Mike's phone through at CAMC. Morning, Mike.
31:04
Yeah, g'day, g'day, Mark. No need to compose yourself. And certainly no need to apologise for not being able to compose yourself. God, you're only human. Bob, I've listened to a few of your interviews with Bob over the last, especially last week with that, and he sounded like a terrific bloke. If we all leave a legacy half as good as what Bob does, we've done it. We've had a good life.
31:28
Yeah, bloody oath, mate. Bloody oath. Thanks for calling in, Mike. The most upsetting thing is, is that, You know, there's so much, there's just so many ratbags in the world and there's just a great bloke who set out on a mission to raise money to help find a cure for MND. And as soon as I was alerted to what Bob and Tom were doing, I said, well, we've got to get him into the studio and we've got to follow this journey. It's amazing.
31:57
And I said to Bob yesterday, I didn't say it on air at the time, but when Bob and Tom sat in their studio, I was thinking to myself, there is no possible hope in the world that an 82-year-old and an 18-year-old are going to get from barrel to broom, but they did it. They achieved it. What they achieved is nothing short of extraordinary. And the fact that they've raised over $86,000, let's get it up to $100,000.
32:23
Let's try and get it up to $100,000 today. If you can, bobmontgomery.com.au and let's continue that legacy. Just a wonderful, wonderful man. And I spoke to him yesterday about how proud he was of Tom and how proud he was of all of his grandchildren and just to see him there smiling. And again, I want to shout out his wife, Jenny. His wife, Jenny, is a 2GB listener and she's the support crew. She followed Bob and Tom in a van and I'm feeling for you, Jenny, and I'm feeling for Alison, Lee, Annie, all your grandchildren.
33:00
Just a terrible, terrible tragedy.
33:03
Nine minutes to ten.
33:05
Six minutes to ten. We're getting a few calls and text messages off air regarding a crash at Box Hill. There's been a multi-vehicle crash on Windsor Road at Mount Carmel Drive. Ambulance telling us that a driver is trapped in his car. A man in his 30s who's currently being assessed at the scene. And I'm also told the CareFlight chopper is on the way. So if you're in the area, just try and avoid the area. Windsor Road at Mount Carmel Drive. This is at Box Hill. The helicopter will be landing soon if it hasn't already.
33:37
A man in his 30s currently being assessed on the scene. And just from Box Hill to the Downing Centre, Alan Jones has arrived for the second day of his criminal trial. in the New South Wales local court hearing more evidence from the prosecution's first witness a former athletic star that Jones allegedly made a series of unwanted sexual encounters on him so we'll continue to bring you up to date with that that trial before a judge alone trial of course Judge Glenn Walsh is presiding over that one this morning four and a half to ten Coming up in the next hour of the show, I want to tackle the census.
34:12
There's been a lot of debate around the census, questions about gender and sexuality.
34:18
It's also been brought to my attention that under the religion category, there's a very important religion missing.
34:25
that of judaism so we'll talk more about that in just a moment and the message it sends to the jewish community who have been through enough i would have thought um and if you can please make a donation in honor of bob montgomery just go to bobmontgomery.com.au click on donate it's already up to eighty seven thousand nine hundred dollars let's see if we can get up to a hundred thousand by the time we go off here at midday in in memory of a truly remarkable man we've got a break for some news we'll come back with the next hour of 2gb mornings
35:01
Across Australia, this is Mornings with Mark Levy.
35:06
Nice to have you with us. 131873, the number 2GB.com. Click onto the feedback icon if you would like to join us. Plenty of feedback coming through. You've obviously heard about our 100-year celebrations on 2GB. A lovely note came through from Marissa that I'd love to share with you. It says, Mark, congratulations to 2GB on 100 incredible years. I've been listening to 2GB for the past 17 years.
35:31
And it's been such a constant source of comfort and companionship throughout my working life. As a dog groomer, I spend most of my days working on my own. So having your voice on every day has made me feel like I'm not alone. Mark, your warmth, humour and genuine way of connecting with people have become a part of my daily routine. And I just wanted to say thank you. It's amazing how much your familiar voice on the radio can brighten someone's day. Meeting you at the Royal Easter Show was such a highlight and I was genuinely excited to finally meet the person whose company I've enjoyed for so many years and you were every bit as kind and approachable as I had hoped.
36:07
Congratulations to you and everyone on 2GB on reaching this incredible 100-year milestone. Thank you for the countless hours of companionship, conversation and comfort you've given to Australians like me is to the next 100 years. Marisa, what a lovely, lovely email. Thank you very much. And it means the world to know that I play a little small part in your life, but it's what I love about radio. And we had some aspiring radio industry people in this morning, actually, on a tour of the building, from what's called the Australian Film, Radio and Television School at the Entertainment Quarter.
36:43
And hopefully there's some budding young presenters and talk hosts amongst them because I worked in television. I then came to radio, nothing beats radio in my opinion, being able to talk as something's happening like we did yesterday with that wall collapse on Waddle Street at Ultimo.
37:04
But then to forge that connection with your listeners is what radio is all about. And Marissa, I think you've just encompassed exactly why I love radio and why I love getting up early and coming in here and working tirelessly for our listeners on 2GB and all those people right across Australia. So thank you for taking the time to send that through. I printed it off this morning and I wanted to share it with our listeners. So you'll be hearing more and more about our celebrations coming up over the next couple of weeks as 2GB celebrates its 100th birthday.
37:39
Now, the Acting Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, Richard Marles, was in the studio this morning speaking to Ben. The first topic of conversation was Victoria Barracks and the potential sale of this historic defence base, something that my colleague Michael McLaren has been speaking about at length, and he's certainly led the charge on this. Well done to Michael and his team.
38:00
This is what the Acting Prime Minister, Richard Marles, said about the sale of Victoria Barracks.
38:07
Most members of the Australian Army itself have never been to Victoria Barracks, Sydney. Now, it is an incredible site. I'm going there later this morning. It should be opened up to Sydneysiders and Australians for people to enjoy. It should have many more people through it. If you think about The Rocks, for example, and it's a similar vintage, I mean, The Rocks is a great heritage part of Sydney and part of why it works is because there are people there all the time.
38:33
People visit every weekend. Yeah. You're saying you want to do the same thing with Victoria Barracks? I think open it up.
38:38
Hang on. Is Richard Miles, the Defence Minister, Acting Prime Minister, comparing the rocks to Victoria Barracks? Now, I'm going to have to rack my brain here and you might be able to help me out, ladies and gentlemen, on 131873. But when I went on school excursions down to the rocks to learn about the history, it was full of prostitutes and brothels, wasn't it?
38:56
Is he seriously considering the rocks to Victoria Barracks a very proud part of our military history in this country?
39:05
Gee whiz.
39:07
No wonder I, and now I know why Michael feels like he's banging his head up against the wall when it comes to trying to save an important part of our military history. If that's seriously the answer that is offered up by the acting Prime Minister of this country and the Minister for Defence, well, what hope have we got? Now, the acting Prime Minister was also asked about the state of the property market as auction listings across the country to continue to plunge. This will be interesting.
39:34
Veteran auctioneers are reporting that sales are being cancelled, buyers aren't turning up and nobody's bidding. Is this what you had in mind when you broke those promises around negative gearing and capital gains tax discounts?
39:45
Well, with respect, Ben, I feel like all of that overstates it. We will still see growth in the housing market over the medium term. It'll be sustainable growth. Why is it dead quiet at the moment? What do you put it down to?
39:58
The interest rate rises or what?
40:00
Well, there's a lot of factors which go into people's interest in purchasing houses and interest rate rises are one of them.
40:07
But I think what we'll see over the longer term is growth in housing, but it'll be sustainable growth. You've spooked investors, though, with the negative gearing changes and capital gains tax changes. That's clear. Well, we're getting more first-time buyers into homes, and that's our focus. And the 5% deposit scheme is about that, but so too is what we're doing in terms of the changes to negative gearing, which gives a much greater equity, generational equity, so that it's not only people of my age who can aspire to the Australian dream of owning a home.
40:38
Oh, seriously, these people are living in la-la land, aren't they? And finally, the deputy PM, or the acting PM, was also asked for his thoughts on the ABC segment that denotes violence against the mining magnate, Gina Reinhart. Here's his response.
40:52
The ABC remains under fire, Mr Marles. They've refused to remove a segment which graphically describes the torture of Gina Reinhart. Should that video be removed today?
41:02
Well, I didn't know the video was still there. It's still up online. Well, look, so firstly, I've not seen... Should it be removed today? I've not seen the video. As it's been described to me, that video is completely unacceptable and it surprises me that it's still there.
41:17
As the video's been described to me, I emphasise I've not seen it, I don't want to see it, but as it's been described to me, it's completely inappropriate and unacceptable and I'm surprised it's still there.
41:28
How detached from reality are these people? Like seriously, I haven't seen it, I wasn't aware. Does he read a newspaper? Does he listen to the radio? Does he turn on the TV news? The Deputy Prime Minister of this country? It's been all the talk for the last week and the Deputy Prime Minister of this country, as it's been told to me, do your bloody job.
41:56
131873, the number, 2GB.com. Click onto the feed. How hard is it for the government of the day to say, right, we are not going to tolerate acts of violence against women depicted in a short film on the ABC. We will be demanding an explanation from Hugh Marks and Kim Williams and we will not tolerate it. What is so controversial and scandalous about saying that as the government of the day?
42:22
There's been numerous occasions when women of the left or other figures, even members from the Labor Party, have been depicted in a not-so-flattering way, like Ditch the Witch. Oh, the outrage. Everybody up in arms about it. But when it comes to the treatment of Gina Reinhart, oh, well, as it's been told to me, I haven't seen the video, have you been living under a rock?
42:49
131873, the number 2GB.com. Click onto the feedback icon. Now, look, I know this may have been touched on on 2GB in recent weeks, but I feel the need to say something about it because I've had a number of members of the Jewish community reach out to me about it, and there's also been some commentary around it as well from Robert Gregory, his name is, the president of the Australian Jewish Agency. Now... You should have received a letter from the Bureau of Statistics with your login details to complete your census next Tuesday. And there's been a lot of debate around some of the questions, gender, sexuality.
43:21
But this morning, I want to take the ABS to task over a glaring omission under the question which asks for your religion.
43:29
Now, there are checkboxes for nine different religions, apparently. They include Catholic, Anglican, Islam, Buddhism, and Greek Orthodox, to name a few. There's also a box for no religion. But the religion that's missing from the list is Judaism. Now, have you already completed your census and noticed the same thing?
43:49
In an era marked by a sharp rise in anti-Semitism and in the wake of the Bondi Beach terrorist attack, I think the omission of Judaism sends a deeply hurtful message to a community which is already feeling vulnerable, alienated and overlooked.
44:04
The census is a snapshot of who we recognised as part of our social fabric. So why would the Australian Bureau of Statistics leave Judaism off the list of religions?
44:15
Now, Jewish Australians will instead have to tick the box other and write in Jewish or Judaism. I mean, what a disgrace.
44:23
As I mentioned, Robert Gregory, president of the Australian Jewish Agency, says the absence of a dedicated box is likely to discourage even more people from identifying as Jewish. The reality is that the census is likely to significantly undercount the size of the Jewish community.
44:39
So it begs the question, was this done deliberately?
44:42
I'd also like to know why there are various options for gender and sexuality in the census, but when it comes to the Jewish community, they need to tick the box other when it comes to their religion.
44:53
Why is the Bureau of Statistics alienating Australian Jews? Are they forgetting that the Jewish community has contributed to this country two heads of state, a High Court Chief Justice, Australia's greatest soldier and a federal treasurer, as well as many others who have transformed the country in the arts, law, business and community sectors?
45:12
Yet when it comes to their religion, they now need to tick other. Well, I'm sorry, that's unacceptable.
45:17
Now, apparently the rationale provided by the ABS for emitting Judaism from the census relates to a demographic graphic threshold. Now, what does that mean? Well, representing roughly 0.4% of the population, Judaism falls below the statistical size required for automatic inclusion as a standalone tick box option under the standard ABS criteria. But what a load of crap.
45:42
Given the attacks on the Jewish community and the rise of antisemitism in this country, there's never been a more important time for Jewish Australians to list their religion to highlight how many members of the community feel threatened. Do you agree?
45:55
And it's interesting they talk about 0.4% of the population. Well, do the same rules apply to some of the options given under gender and sexuality?
46:04
Now, the Australian Bureau of Statistics answers to the Treasurer. It's a taxpayer-funded government agency meant to serve all Australians, not just the ones who fit neatly into a demographic threshold. If the ABS can adapt its survey to reflect changing social norms and modern conversations around gender and identity, well, surely it can find room for a checkbox to include a very important religion in this country as well.
46:33
And the point I would make is, hasn't the Jewish community been through enough? They've felt isolated, ostracised, alienated over the last few years as our so-called political leaders ignored the rise of anti-Semitism.
46:46
The ultimate betrayal, though, is the emission of Judaism from the Australian census.
46:52
131873, the number. You can email me at 2GB.com and you can text me, 0460 873 873. I know it's been touched on, but I just wanted to add my voice to it on the program this morning, given I've been a very vocal supporter of the Jewish community. So you can have your say on that. And let me know your thoughts on the responses from Richard Mars this morning to some really good questions from Ben Fordham.
47:14
Are you buying what the Deputy and Acting Prime Minister is offering up in terms of Victoria Barracks on housing and on the ABC? We'll take a break at 19 past 10. Back with more in just a sec.
47:26
I'll get to your calls in just a second. I've just had a quick squiz at the MND New South Wales page in support of the late Bob Montgomery who passed away last night on his way home from that function down at Rose Bay. We started the show, it was $86,000 and I...
47:44
I asked you from the bottom of my heart to pledge a bit of money, if you can, to support what Bob has achieved with his 18-year-old grandson.
47:52
Well, I can now report that $86,000 has become $92,749. So if you can pledge a little bit of money, I'm desperately trying to get this up to $100,000 before I go off air at midday, and I'm going to try and get it done for Jenny, Bob's darling wife, and their three daughters, Alice and Lee, Annie.
48:13
and his 11 grandchildren who are all mourning the loss of Papa, as they call him. So if you can, please go to bobmontgomery.com.au, bobmontgomery.com.au. Click on Donate. It'll take you through to the MND page. We're at $92,749. Let's see if we can get it up to $100,000 before we go off air at midday. Just on the census, Hannah's phone through on the open line. Hannah, good morning to you.
48:38
Good morning.
48:41
Am I speaking to?
48:42
You're on the air talking to Mark Levy. Hannah, how are you?
48:44
Oh, hi, Mark. Look, I've just rung and I just wanted to let you know with the whole business and the census and the religion, so what my husband and I and hopefully my friends are doing, we're filling in for other proudly Jewish people.
49:04
So you're writing the words proudly Jewish, are you?
49:06
Proudly Jewish, yeah. Tried to fit in proudly Jewish Australian. I know that's not a religion, but there wasn't enough room. Yeah.
49:13
And does it allow you to write proudly Jewish, Hannah?
49:17
Yes. Yes, it fits in. With the other, there's enough room. Can I ask you this, though?
49:21
Can I ask you this, though, Hannah? Do you buy this excuse that is offered up or this explanation from the ABS that judaism falls below the statistical size required for automatic inclusion in the census how does that make you feel as a very proud jewish australian well it never has in the past the number of jews that are in australia knows no difference so how come it's been there in the past how come this is the first time oh so it's been there in the past judaism in the census
49:52
Yes, yes.
49:53
Interesting. All right, well, I'm going to go back to the ABS and put some more questions to them because I was told that because it doesn't meet that threshold, that's the reason why it hasn't been included in the census. Interesting. Hannah, thank you very much for your phone call and thank you for alerting me to that. I'll go back to the ABS and see what they've got to say for themselves. 131873, the number, 2GB.com. Click onto the feedback icon if you'd like to join us.
50:22
Well, the Albanese government told us these budget changes were meant to help everyday Australians, especially young people trying to buy their very first home. But the reporting today suggests, and we're about to catch up with a bloke who's been quite outspoken about the changes, they're having an exact opposite effect. Instead of opening doors, experts say it's making the property market harder for buyers, frustrating renters and pushing some homeowners into negative equity. Regular families are left trying to figure out what this actually means for their mortgage and for their future.
50:53
And I think it's fair to say that Canberra has just turned the great Australian dream into the great Australian nightmare. I thought we'd catch up with real estate expert Tom Panos, who you hear across the network from time to time. He's spoken to Ben numerous times. I'm a big fan of his work. I've got him on the line. Tom, good morning to you.
51:09
Mark, great to be on the phone with you.
51:11
Mate, nice to chat and thank you for calling out the decisions that are being made by this Albanese government in Canberra. How bad is it at the moment? I mean, you're at the coalface, you're doing auctions, you're speaking to buyers, investors. What are they telling you at the moment?
51:26
Okay, so Mark, to give you an example on how bad it is. So last Saturday, I had six auctions on.
51:33
None of them sold, but what was fascinating is not one person actually registered means that you're not going to necessarily buy it. You're going there just to have a look, and if it's a bargain, you'll jump on it. Not one person decided to even show up to any of those six properties. I thought, Mark, maybe it's a one-off. It happened again last week. Having said that, I had only one option, but again, no registrations. We are in a total market of hesitancy, Mark. Vendors don't want to sell because they're thinking to themselves, it's so bad, we're not going to get our price.
52:09
Buyers, they're not buying because they're thinking, even if I've transferred, you know, in two months' time, I'm in negative equity. Tenants were told that they were going to have their rents go up by $2. Now, Mark, I've never heard of a rental notice being given to a tenant on $2 because if there was, half of Australia would move to that rental property.
52:32
And ironically, Mark, ironically, it's the high end of the market that has dropped. That's not helping housing affordability for young people, right? So it's been a budget that I think the Australian Treasury Department in Canberra, it looks good on an Excel document, but out there on the coalface, it's been a disaster, Mark.
52:52
Well, Tom, what I can't wrap my head around, and I'd love some feedback from you on this, is somebody who deals in real estate each and every day. When we have government ministers like Tanya Plibersek, who in the last 24 hours stood there and said, the fact that prices are coming down, Tom, is a good thing. We're making it easier for people to get into the market. We're making it easier for people across Australia. But it's the complete opposite, mate.
53:18
They're not making it easier. In fact, what they've actually done, whether you like it or not, the budget that they brought out, Mark, has actually helped people that already had money keep their money because they were given all the benefits they were able to preserve, the negative gearing, the capital gains tax. And what they basically did is they said to all the younger people, you're not going to get the same benefits that people had. So 100%, this is not intergenerational equality. This is intergenerational frustration.
53:49
That's the way. I haven't seen one young person.
53:53
a young-year-old daughter, so I mix with the circles there of their generation. None of those people are saying, wow, thank you so much. The government is helping us. There is no evidence at all that first-home buyers are coming in because of this. But I'll tell you something else, Mark. I'll tell you where they've got it all wrong. The Australian government thought that what they were going to do is get investors to move away from existing properties and move to those new developments, Mark, because they were going to keep retaining the benefits. But this has been rejected by the market.
54:24
These investors, not only did they not move to buy new build properties, they're not buying anything at all, which means that we've got this shortage of investment properties now, which means that rents are surging. So it's actually, there's no one winning out of this. First home buyers aren't winning. Existing owners aren't winning. Tenants aren't winning. And we all know all the people that have got a bit of an entrepreneur flair to them that wanted to go off and do something, they've been running around putting memes up all over social media because they feel that they don't want Albo and Chalmers as their business partner.
54:57
No one's happy. Yeah. Yeah.
55:00
it's interesting i'm just reading here the coalition analysis estimating tens of thousands of australians who bought with a five percent deposit are at risk of falling into negative equity so you know we've got that um that scenario there well then we go to the sort of the bank of mum and dad when i first entered the property market tom i said to my mum i said mum i just i need a little bit of money just to cover mortgage the mortgage insurance like just to get through that particular hurdle. And they said, no worries. And I paid it back to them over 12 months rather than getting, you know, lumped with mortgage insurance.
55:32
So if we take away that equity from mum and dad investors who might be sitting on a property or maybe an investment property as well, that's again having a knock-on effect for being able to help those young ones enter the property market. Is that fair or not?
55:47
100%, Mark, 100%. That's been the way it's been operating. I mean, I would go to auctions and I would see young people bidding there and I'd see the parent next to them there. That was something I saw every Saturday, right? So we've got to accept that that's also been impacted now.
56:04
I've got to tell you, even some of these baby boomers now are thinking to themselves, look, we're probably going to have to sacrifice the next 10, 15 years that I thought they were going to be better years to actually help our kids. That's the next thing on the cards. So the truth of the matter is we've got a group of – look, I must say there's one silver lining. The silver lining is for rich people to get richer by upgrading. Like there's a few people going from – a grand 4.5 and what they're doing mark they're buying houses that were going for 10 million for 8 million so their changeover number's gone down so it's if anything it's helping some people get into you know nicer homes it's not helping the young people that this budget was set out to be and what's happening now mark is people are starting to think Did they get this wrong or have we been deceived?
56:58
That's the question that I think Australians are asking at the moment, three months post-budget.
57:02
Yeah, I think that's a fair question too. Just one last one before you go.
57:06
What needs to change? I mean, it's all well and good for us, Tom, to continue to, you know, shout and scream from the rooftops and say what a dumb decision and what a bad budget this was from the Treasurer and the Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese. Is it a matter of winding back the changes or is there a compromise somewhere in the middle? What needs to change?
57:24
Okay, so what's got to happen now for the marketplace to move away from being a gridlock? Because, by the way, Mark, the worst people that go, the unintended consequences of state governments. I can't wait to see the fight between Mins and Albo and all the other states because their stamp duty revenue has come to an absolute halt. We're talking about drops in 40% volume. So to answer your question, what's got to happen? Number one, we do need to see some sort of stability with interest rates so people don't think to themselves this is going to, you know, keep going up.
57:55
That's one factor. Number two, we do need to get some sort of clarity with Trump and say, no, this war is once and over, right? It's not just a threat. It's finished. But the biggest thing that we need, the biggest thing that we need, and I'm hoping that we actually, the government turns around and says, you know what? We might have got this wrong. We've had a backflip in 1987 when the same rules came into play, Mark. 1985, they brought in exactly the same rules. Two years later, they actually did a backflip. We saw the same thing happen in New Zealand only two years ago.
58:28
They brought it in. Jacinta Arden brought it in in 21, a very similar policy. So one thing that would be good is the government turn around and say, look, we may have overstepped the mark. We may have been overreaching. We've been doing a few carve outs on other things. We're going to have to look at things because I think if we don't, we're heading for a major crash because the unintended consequences, Mark, It's not just to the first home buyers. At the moment, we've got this ecosystem domino effect, mortgage brokers, conveyances, removalists, tradespeople.
59:01
And then, of course, we've got the government. I don't know what's going to happen in three months' time when they look at the numbers of the dropped in volume. Don't forget, Mark, New South Wales gets 25% of its revenue from property stamp duty, 25%.
59:15
What's going to happen when they look at how much volume's gone down? They're going to say, where are we going to fill this bucket up?
59:21
Yeah, unbelievable. Hey, Tom, we need you out there doing what you do. We want you to sell properties, you know, once, twice, three times sold. We don't want properties passed in. We want registered bidders and we want them bidding.
59:32
We've got to do something because at the moment there's just too much evidence to suggest that the announcements in the budget this year are not working and will not work. You're a good man, mate. Keep up the good work and we'll talk to you soon. Thank you so much, Mark. There he is, Tom Panos, real estate expert. Speaks a lot of sense, doesn't he? If you're out there in the real estate game, you'd like to have your say this morning, please get in touch. 131873 here on 2GB Mornings.
59:58
21 minutes away from 11. Jeez, you are so good, our loyal listeners to 2GB. I've been asking you, if you can, to pledge some money to the MND fundraiser that was led by the now late Bob Montgomery and his grandson Tom. We started the show, it was at $86,000. It's just tipped over $94,000. And I...
60:22
said to the family, I'm going to try and get it up over $100,000 before I go off air on midday. So with your help, ladies and gentlemen, I reckon we can get there. $94,757. If you can please pledge some money to the MND fundraiser led brilliantly by the late Bob Montgomery, simply go to bobmontgomery.com.au, follow the links, it'll take you to the page and you'll be able to pledge some money. And I just want to say thank you too. I just had a note from Bob's family, Jason Morrison over at the Telegraph has put together a beautiful story highlighting what Bob achieved and he's also included the link on that Telegraph story as well.
61:00
Thank you, Jason. You're a good man, but just, yeah, sad, sad news.
61:09
Now, on to other things. Federal ministers are warning that Australia's first mass mortality event from the deadly H5N1 bird flu strain is just the beginning. Over 80 wild seabirds have died off South Australia's coast, with confirmed cases nationwide more than tripling in a matter of days. With millions of migratory birds heading our way, authorities admit the spread in the wild can't be stopped and efforts have now pivoted from prevention to damage control. While the government says it spent millions preparing, the detection of the virus near major poultry farms has Australia's agricultural sector on high alert for potential spillover.
61:47
Farmers already know the cost of biosecurity threats. The less severe H7 strain forced the culling of 1.5 million chickens just a couple of years ago. So how ready are our primary producers and what will it mean for our food supply and the economy? I thought we'd catch up with Chris Groves, National Farmers Federation Farming Systems Committee Chair. He's also a farmer near Cowra in regional New South Wales. I've got him on the line with me now. Chris, good morning to you.
62:14
Good morning, Mark.
62:15
Mate, firstly, thank you for joining us and nice to catch up with you. I hope everyone's doing well in beautiful Cowra. It's really concerning when people hear about this bird flu strain and we've had our first mass mortality event and I heard some commentary from the Agriculture Minister yesterday saying this could have an impact on our agricultural industry.
62:36
What sort of work is being done behind the scenes and what sort of information are you being given, Chris, in relation to the threat of this bird flu strain?
62:44
Yeah, thanks, Mark. Look, it's all about protecting our production industries at the moment. So far, this disease, this bird flu, has only been in wild animals. We have not seen any incursions of the disease into chicken flocks or any other animal. So what we're really doing at the moment is concentrating on protection, just encouraging people to make sure their birds are locked up away from any natural surface water areas or anything like that. There are ramifications right throughout the industry, but it's all about protection at the moment.
63:13
What sort of a farmer are you, Chris? Are you farming livestock and animals that could be affected by this disease itself?
63:21
Yeah, we do. We run sheep and cattle, obviously mammals. It can go across different species. But at the moment, as I said, thankfully, we've only seen it in wild animals. But this is a biosecurity breach that we have to deal with very seriously, Mark. This is not a practice run. We don't get a second go at this. So farmers, we're just calling on people to be vigilant and even the general public, if they see a sick animal, don't go near it, take a photo of it and send it to the emergency disease animal, sorry, emergency animal disease hotline.
63:52
It's vital that we know if this thing is getting any further.
63:55
Are you getting enough communication from government on this? Because, you know, they've made it fairly clear. The Agriculture Minister said it yesterday. Look, we can't stop this. It's here. We've just got to be prepared on how we deal with it. Are you getting enough information from those in Canberra?
64:09
Yeah, look, I must say the communication channels have been very good. There's nearly daily updates coming out of the federal department. There's weekly teleconferences with all of the industries involved. So the information flow has been pretty good. But, Mark, you must remember we've been practising this for many, many years, 20 or 30 years. We've been practising as a group of industries what's going to happen if there is a disease incursion. And farmers have spent hundreds of thousands of dollars in some cases just making sure that they're ready. If they're free-range chicken farmers, for example, those birds have had to be housed to protect them from the bird flu.
64:45
So what sort of safeguards have you put in place on your farm, Chris? Do you mind me asking?
64:51
Look, I don't mind you asking. We are very conscious about anybody coming and going. We've got a sign at the front gate that says, please phone before you come in. Because this is about biosecurity in general. It's not just about the chicken industry or the poultry industry, but it's about people bringing diseases or pests onto your farm. We've spent millions and millions of dollars as an industry and individual farmers have spent a lot of money.
65:15
It's about making sure that these biosecurity programs are funded. But look, it's just mainly make sure you know who's coming and going. Hygiene is key with vehicles and things like that. And just be aware of what's going on on your own farm.
65:27
So at the moment, we're not seeing any indication that there's going to be, you know, egg shortages or, you know, people in the big smoke might be able to buy a barbecue chook down at Coles or Woolies or one of the supermarket chains. But, you know, is there a chance that there might be an issue down the track? What can you sort of say to that point?
65:45
Yeah, Mark, down the track there may be an issue. We can never rule it out. But that issue would be in free-range eggs. It could be in free-range grass-fed chickens, things like that. Thankfully, the industry has enough birds in sheds or has enough chickens growing in sheds that are protected areas that the industry should be able to keep producing enough to maintain our chicken and egg supply. Yeah.
66:09
While I've got you, Chris, I want to lean on your advice and your feedback on this.
66:16
Some of the feral pigs and some of these animals are causing problems to farms across Australia. I was with a bloke yesterday who owns a fairly big property in regional New South Wales and he said, Mark, I've never seen more kangaroos, I've never seen more feral pigs, the wombats are digging holes all over my property. Are you experiencing the same thing?
66:35
Yeah, we are. We've seen an increase in native wildlife a lot. We have not, in our area, we haven't got a lot of scrub. We haven't got any national parks surrounding us. But anyone who joins a national park, not far from us, just to the west of Cowra Township, for anyone who's aware of it, there's a fairly big area of national park. There's wild pigs, there's feral deer, there's all sorts of animals in there.
66:56
goats are becoming a problem they wreck your fences they eat all your food it's just it's a continual battle to keep your stock in and keep everyone else's or native animal or even everything else out i should know the answer to this but i don't because i'm not from from the bush like yourself mate but what are the rules in new south wales in terms of you know getting rid of some of these feral animals like the pigs and the like Look, the ruling is about making sure there's always firearm safety issues and things like that. Any feral animal, people are allowed to control them as much as they could.
67:29
If we have native animals in plague proportions, there is a process to go through, and it is a pretty good process. We have been through the process and been able to cull in periods back. But it's just about making sure you do all the paperwork, dot all the I's and cross all the T's and make sure that you've got a licence to harm if you need to do something with kangaroos. And as far as foxes, deers, goats, pigs, anything like that... As far as a farmer is concerned, the more and then you shoot the better.
68:00
Well, it's funny you say that, Chris. I went out to a little place called Quambo, and I'm sure you're familiar with it, out western New South Wales, and I was on a farm out there and, you know, we were in a buggy and we were going around and the person I was with said, oh, there's some wild pigs over there, just the slightest movement of a bush. And we went over and there was about 12 of them and then obviously they scattered. Yeah. And obviously they were going through a period at that point in time where they were trying to get rid of some of the feral animals causing the damage. And then there was a part of me that sort of thought, oh, geez, I feel sorry for these bloody things.
68:30
And then he took me over and showed me the damage that they were doing to his property and everything else. And then he showed me how many actual pigs they've had on the property. And you think... They are out of control. They're in epidemic proportions, the number of these wild pigs that are across Australia. And I think those of us in the big smoke, we sometimes forget some of the challenges that you guys face in the bush.
68:52
Yeah, look, Mark, it's great to even tie it in. This is related to the bird flu that we were talking about earlier as well. One of the major risks, especially from feral pigs, is carrying disease. If we get an infectious animal disease comes into the country from somewhere, we've got a huge problem because we've got our livestock tagged, they're identified, we're supposed to know where they are. Whereas if you get into that feral pigs, wild deer, things like that, if they're capable of spreading a disease, we've got a huge problem. We'll often have half a dozen deer or run through our place.
69:23
I was on a header with a guy once and there was a lot of wheat in front of us was starting to shake. And there would have been 30 or 40 little piglets running along through the wheat. This is all the sort of damage. They eat a lot, but the disease thing, that is a huge problem. And that's why there's been so many efforts being made to try and control, especially the feral pigs.
69:42
Well, Chris, I'm glad we were able to have this conversation, mate. I'll get out into the bush a fair bit in my break. Next time I'm in Cowra, I'll look you up, mate. We'll have a cup of tea or maybe something a bit stronger and chew the fat and solve the world's issues. Nice to catch up, mate. Thanks for joining us.
69:55
Mark, thank you for that. I would enjoy that and we will catch up before too long.
69:58
You're a good man. Chris Groves, National Farmers Federation Farming Systems Committee Chair and a farmer near Cowra in New South Wales. So, look, there's no need to panic. I mean, the bird flu's here, right? So... I've started hearing a bit of messaging from the government in terms of, well, this could have an impact on our agricultural sector. But as Chris just pointed out, you know, they've been preparing for this sort of thing for decades. So we've just sort of backed them to do what they need to do to protect their...
70:28
They're flocks, so to speak, and we'll just wait and see what happens. It's here. We've got to deal with it. And unfortunately, unlike, you know, the pandemic and COVID and everything else, we can't lock people down. But what we can do is mitigate the risk of its spreading throughout these farms and then having a knock-on effect on the food and the produce that we eat. on the supermarket shelves at the butcher, at the local dairy, you name it. So we'll certainly keep an eye on it as it bubbles away in the background, the threat of this H5N1 bird flu strain that's arrived here in Australia. It's 10 to 11.
71:00
I'm really excited this morning, ladies and gentlemen, because Marsha Hines will be joining us in the studio after the news at 11 o'clock. How good is Marsha...
71:16
She's, of course, in this show that's happening at the Opera House Velvet Inferno. So we'll catch up with Marsha Hines after the news at 11 o'clock.
71:55
It brings back great memories. My mum's a huge Marsha Hines fan and I used to grow up listening to either John Farner music or Marsha Hines music. So we'll catch up with Marsha after the news at 11 o'clock. In the meantime, pro-Palestine and neo-Nazi protests will today become the focus of the Royal Commission on Anti-Semitism and Social Cohesion. It's the seventh hearing block.
72:19
that the Commission will examine, and it will examine the democratic function of protests in Australia, the hateful conduct that can sometimes occur within protest movements, and how police respond to protests. The report in The Australian says a pro-Palestine protest at the Opera House, that is being examined.
72:37
There are also other rallies that are being looked at by the Royal Commission, including some of those that have taken place on university campuses. So that's going to continue today. The, excuse me, hearings into the protests and the hearings at the Royal Commission on anti-Semitism and social cohesion. So we'll certainly keep an eye and an ear on that throughout the day. The fundraiser for MND in a tribute to the late Bob Montgomery, it's now ticked over $96,000.
73:07
We've got another hour today.
73:10
Let's get it over $100,000. Bobmontgomerie.com.au. If you can, please pledge some money as a mark of respect as we honour the late Bob Montgomery. Four and a half minutes to 11.
73:22
Yeah, Marsha Hines in the studio after the news at 11. And for those people who listen to us in Queensland, you've got a new governor. Justice Thomas Bradley will become Queensland's 28th governor, replacing Dr Jeanette Young, who has served five years in the role. So Justice Thomas Bradley will become the new governor of Queensland. We've got a break for some news. We'll come back with the final hour of 2GB Mornings. Nice to have you with us on this Tuesday.
73:55
This is Mornings with Mark Levy right across Australia.
74:00
Welcome back. Final hour of the program. Marsha Hines will be a special guest in the studio. Looking forward to catching up with Marsha. And just an update on the fundraiser for motor neurone disease. We shared with you the sad news in the first hour of the show. We've been following the journey of Bob Montgomery and his son Tom, Bob 82, Tom just 18. It all wrapped up yesterday. I went down to Club Rose Bay to join in the celebrations and to shake both their hand to congratulate them and sadly on the way home to Bowral, Bob suffered a medical episode and passed away.
74:34
We started the show, they'd raised $86,000 and I said, surely we as a community and we have the most generous listeners in the world can get right behind this and see if we can tick over $100,000 in honour of Bob this morning. Well, it's just shot up to $97,000. So by midday, let's try and get it up over $100,000. And it's just a small bit of comfort for Jenny knowing that there are so many people thinking of her at the moment.
75:05
Also, their three daughters, Alison, Lee and Annie, and of course, their 11 grandchildren, including Tom, who I'm sure is really feeling it today. And thank you to all the lovely messages coming through. I got pretty upset about it in the first hour. I feel like I've known Bob and Tom for years, such as the journey we've been on following them make their way from Broome to Boweral, then to Sydney. Just extraordinary. So, yeah, really, really sad news today.
75:38
Now, Gina Reinhart and Hancock Prospecting have awarded a staggering $1.2 million in medal bonuses to our swimmers and para-swimmers following an outstanding showing at the Comm Games. Our swim team spearheaded Australia's campaign, claiming 75 of the country's 103 total medals, including 36 gold.
76:01
These cash incentives come amid recent controversies following outrage over Comm Games Australia attempting to restrict media comments around third-party athlete incentives. Despite the noise, several of our high-profile stars have spoken out on social media to express their deep gratitude. Olympic champion Kyle Chalmers posted a heartfelt tribute, writing that Mrs Reinhart's support sends a message that all of our hard work, sacrifice and commitment is valued. adding that it directly supports his family while allowing him to pursue elite sport.
76:34
His teammates, Elijah Winnington and Shana Jack, echoed those sentiments, thanking her for single-handedly transforming Australian swimming over her multi-decade patronage. So, isn't that nice? And well done to those athletes for going public and thanking what Gina Reinhardt has done for them in terms of putting her money where her mouth is to support these incredible Australian athletes. Just extraordinary.
77:13
Look, I'm also hearing, and Mark Morrie first covered this story in The Telegraph in relation to police chaplains. There are a number of police chaplains walking away from the force and I've been inundated with emails from not only chaplains but police officers themselves saying, Mark, they are so important for us.
77:31
Just somebody to talk to, a friendly face when we get back to the station after a critical incident or a heavy day at work. Well, I'm told there's been some meetings happening this morning and it looks like we might be getting somewhere in relation to New South Wales police and full-time chaplains. So we might have some more details to share and I'm sure Mark over at the telly is chasing it as well. But I've had a few text messages this morning saying it looks like there might be a few...
78:01
negotiations going the way of the police chaplains. So more on that, no doubt, on the show this morning. And look, while we're on a roll, one of my real bugbears, as you know, is the wasteful spending by all levels of government. And we spoke yesterday about the First Nations ambassador. Over the last four years, Justin Muhammad and his 10 staff have cost the taxpayer $13.6 million. The government has also spent $150 million of our money to set up the COP presidency office inside the climate change department for Chris Bowen. Throw in the spend involved in this pointless conference in Fiji, the list is endless.
78:35
All the while, we've got hardworking Australians having to make a choice when it comes to paying the bills or putting food on the table. And these politicians wonder why the taxpayers don't have any faith in them. Well, there's another example of the government's wasteful spending today in the Australian newspaper.
78:52
and it involves the Real Jobs, Real Wages scheme. Now, this was a program that was announced back in May of 2024, with the government throwing $32.1 million at the scheme over three years. Now, the goal was to get long-term job seekers into employment while showering employers with... I guess you'd call them buzzwords, that's what they are, inclusive recruitment and community connections. Up to $15,000 was offered to employers per candidate. Sounds like a lucrative scheme, but has it worked?
79:24
The answer is no.
79:26
According to answers squeezed out of the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations through Senate estimates, 55 people have ended up with a job. 55 people in two years. The target? 1,500.
79:41
So the Albanese government has fallen $1,445 short at a cost of $32.1 million with only another 12 months to run on this game.
79:52
So that works out when I were ordering, what, $195,000 per job created.
79:58
Keep in mind the minimum wage in this country is $52,245 before tax. To put this into perspective, consider what $195,000 means to a struggling family in suburban Sydney.
80:11
That's nearly four times the median annual wage of the average Australian worker. It's over two years of average mortgage repayments for a family fighting to keep a roof over its head.
80:23
It could fund thousands of energy bill relief payments directly into the pockets of households, choosing between heating their homes or feeding their kids.
80:32
Instead, that money's been fed into the Canberra machine to produce 55 jobs. I mean, what a joke.
80:40
Now, when confronted with these abysmal numbers, what was the official government response? Well, the...
80:47
usual textbook parade of political spin. A government spokesman pointed to the macro-employment figures bragging about overall job creation since 2022 and historical unemployment rates. It's the classic Labor playbook.
81:02
When your specific, ideological, bureaucracy-heavy program completely fails to deliver, simply change the subject and point to national statistics driven by private sector resilience. Now, nobody denies that the long-term unemployed need targeted help. But setting up a bloated, inefficient $32.1 million scheme that hands out press releases faster than actual jobs, that's not help, it's vanity.
81:29
Australia cannot afford a government that treats millions of taxpayer dollars like loose change to be tossed at fashionable corporate buzzwords and job design advice. When hard-working Australians are crying out for genuine cost of living relief, seeing their hard-earned tax dollars burned at a rate of nearly $200,000 per placement, that's not just frustrating, it's the ultimate insult. As the opposition points out, if Real Jobs, Real Wages was an actual job seeker, its payments would have been suspended long ago for non-compliance.
82:01
I think it's time the Albanese government was held to the same standard.
82:10
Just think about it, if an everyday Australian burned through $32 million of someone else's money and had a 96% failure rate to show for it, they wouldn't be sacked, they'd be laughed out of the room.
82:22
It's time Anthony Albanese stopped treating your hard-earned tax dollars like a political piggy bank because we're paying for the party and, in my opinion, it's time someone pulled the plug. You can have your say this morning on 131873. You can email me at 2GB.com and you can text me 0460 873 873.
82:41
Marsha Hines in the studio after the break and on the way to the break as a worker, you're probably well aware of your responsibilities, but are you familiar with your rights if you're injured? If you've been injured at work, even when working at home, you may be entitled to claim valuable compensation that can help you get back on your feet again. With 50 years of experience, Bryden's lawyers are the lawyers to turn to for your workers' compensation claims. For a free, no-obligation appointment, call Bryden's Lawyers today on 1800 848 848 or visit brydens.com.au.
83:12
Bryden's lawyers need expert workers' compensation advice. That's what they do. Terms and conditions apply.
83:19
Nice to have you with us. This fundraiser for Bob Montgomery and Tom in honour of Bob and Bob, of course, for MND, we've just ticked over 98,000.
83:29
I've set us the task to try and get to 100,000 by midday. I reckon we're going to get there. 98,000, $260. If you can pledge please some money in honour of Bob Montgomery, go to bobmontgomery.com.au. Well, ladies and gentlemen, a real treat for you right now. The legendary fusion of disco and circus has made its triumphant return to the Sydney Opera House. And I am talking, of course, about the spectacular Velvet Inferno, which is set to dazzle audiences until September 13. And the incomparable Marsha Hines is back, headlining a cast that features returning favourites, Brendan MacLean and hula hoop sensation Craig Reid, alongside a brand new troupe of international circus stars.
84:11
Packed with era-defining anthems like Raining Men, this liberated cabaret celebrates freedom and pure entertainment. And here's a little taste of what you're gonna get if you go along and see Marsha in Velvet Inferno.
84:51
I can't go on, I can't go on no more, no. Enough is enough, is enough. I want them out, I want them out.
85:08
Oh, what's not to like about that? You've got to go and see it. Velvet Inferno at the Sydney Opera House, and I'm delighted to say the delightful Marsha Hines is here in the studio. Good morning.
85:16
Marsha, good morning to you. Good morning, Mark. How are you?
85:18
Very, very well. Thank you for coming in. Thank you. Nice to finally meet you.
85:21
Oh, there you go. I listen to you.
85:23
And I've got to say thank you. When I took over the morning show from Ra, you said some lovely things, so I'm very, very grateful for that. Thank you.
85:29
Now, you're doing a great job. I mean, waking up this early in the morning, I don't know how you do it, but you're here.
85:34
We're here and you came in and gave me a hug because I got a bit emotional in the first hour. I did.
85:38
You know, but men do not cry enough. You guys listening? You got tear ducts. Cry. If something moves you, cry, you know. And it was wonderful to hear you like that. And a beautiful Robbie Williams song that you played too.
85:51
That was gorgeous. He gets me every time, Robbie.
85:53
Does he? Are you going to go see him in November?
85:55
You know, it's one of the most incredible concerts. I haven't been to a lot of concerts, but I've got a DVD at home of Robbie Williams at Nebworth. It's one of the most incredible shows I think I've ever seen.
86:04
Where's Nebworth?
86:05
Over in England.
86:05
Oh, I don't know that.
86:06
It's in the middle of a field, and he just puts on this amazing show, pulls people up out of the audience.
86:10
He's a brilliant performer. He's one of the best, you know, and live performance is what it's all about now. You've got to work live.
86:15
Well, speaking of live performances, Velvet Inferno. Tell us about Velvet Inferno.
86:19
Okay, so it's loosely based on a club that was in New York called Studio 54, right?
86:28
And, yeah, it's madness. That's all I can say. It's great eye candy. fantastic music great choreography and a fantastic cast but you know like the aerials are on another level we're just talking just earlier and saying this is winter and they're they're from europe and they're from cold parts of the world they think this is bliss do you know what i mean sydney on sydney's on fire at the moment it's beautiful the weather's just stunning and you know and we're working at one of the best places in australia the opera house
86:59
How does it feel just being back on stage though? That's just obviously what you love doing, Marsha.
87:03
That's all I know, right? Yeah. Yeah, I've been doing it since I was 16. So I love it. I love it and I love performance and I love bringing joy. You and I were talking just before we went on, Mark's talking about, yeah, life is hard at the moment. So, you know, if you can do it, come and experience some joy with Velvet Inferno and also my manager who organises this show, he's the producer, He's tried to make the ticket prices correct, not ridiculous, and it's not a huge venue either. So it's intimate, and hopefully you'll get a bit of joy and memory.
87:38
And I'm sure if you don't know the music, being a younger person, your parents have embarrassed you.
87:44
At every barbecue, right? And they pull out that disco music. I still pull it out to do housework. It's fantastic.
87:51
Well, it's funny you say that. I grew up, Marsha, I said earlier, I grew up listening to the music of John Farnham. Yes. And I grew up listening to your music. Oh, thank you. My mother... If the tape was in or the CD was in, it was either Farnham or Marsha Hines. Sorry about that. No, no, no, it was fantastic. I played a couple of your songs earlier. Thank you. I was, oh, I'm having all these flashbacks to my childhood. I'm just picturing myself in the auditorium at the Opera House and I'm just thinking about a stage and I'm looking everywhere. Is that what it is?
88:18
It's in the studio. Yeah. which is about 250 people, I think, 400 people, yeah? And so, yeah, every seat has a great perspective. It's wonderful, and we're close. We're close, and sometimes some of the performers actually walk in the audience, and you can actually... Touch them. Wow. Don't tell that to too many people. Don't too many people do that.
88:40
Yeah, yeah. You spoke about you've been doing this since you were 16 and it's all you know. Yes. The thing that, Marsha, and I don't mean to be, you know, self-indulgent here about me, but one thing that comes across for me, for you, watching you on television, working with young artists, is you are so genuine.
88:59
Thank you. I was brought up well.
89:01
But it shows the way – because there's a lot of people, I'm assuming, in your industry that might develop an ego and, you know, they reach a point in their career where they think, you know, I haven't got time to do this. But you make time. Is that fair?
89:14
Yes. Well, humility is a large part of life, you know what I mean? And I really – I was saying earlier that when I first came here, I was 16, which must have been a pain, you know, because I knew nothing about show business – But I had people like Reggie Livermore and John Waters and all these incredible performers. And I'd ask them questions and they'd never say, Marsha, will you leave my dressing room now? Okay? They always explained it to me. And so I think kindness...
89:39
gives kindness. I know what it was to be treated well and to have the umbrella of friends and fellow performers. And so that's all. When you see me on TV, that's just being the end. Earlier in Idol, they asked me to do things that just didn't feel comfortable. And I said, listen, You hired me to be me. If you want somebody else, by all means. But if you want me, that's what you're going to get. And every year my manager just says to me, and he's been my manager for over 50 years, Peter Rickson, he says to me, Masha, just be yourself.
90:11
And so when I have that kind of confidence around me, that's what I'm going to exude to the rest of my village.
90:16
I think it's fair to say too, Marsha, whether you're on the stage or on the radio, people can see through it if you're putting on an act.
90:22
Amen. And I say to the kids on the night, whatever you do, don't act. Because if you're acting that one day you forget that you're acting, people are going to see you. So just be you.
90:30
Yeah. Yeah, it's easier.
90:32
In terms of the talent that's coming through the ranks, you know, I think to your career, and I was reading this morning about some of the amazing things you've done on stage and off the stage as well, the rising stars of show business and the music industry in Australia, is it something we should be enormously proud of in this country?
90:48
Well, I don't have many soapboxes, but I'll share this with you.
90:51
Please.
90:51
We should always take care of our elderly because they are why we are here. And the second one was...
90:59
If Australians took music as seriously as they take sport, there'd be no country in the world that could touch us.
91:08
Because we're so far away, we're allowed to develop our own instinctive individuality, and that's what's happened with me. And that's why you've got John Farnham. That's why you've got Jimmy. That's why you've got all these like Wendy Matthews and Kate Sobrano, Tina Arena. You've got all these incredible performers who have been allowed to just be themselves, where I kind of think the music in America is soapbox. London, England is totally different, too, because you've got crazy people like Robbie, as we said. You've got Elton John. You've got all these people that were allowed to be themselves, Phil Collins and things.
91:41
But in America, it's kind of cookie-cutter. But here, and New Zealand.
91:46
Given all the people you've met throughout your career, Marsha, is there somebody that you're still starstruck by when you meet them or you run into them around the world?
91:54
Oh, I don't run into them, but Tom Jones.
91:57
Yeah?
91:57
Yeah, cool guy. Like, really, and he was very, very nurturing with me because he said, if you want to keep your voice, use in-ears, you know, to the people who don't understand what that is. When you see those little sort of like... hearing aid things in singers ears that's because we're actually hearing what we need to hear not singing over the sound that's in the room so yeah Tom Jones and Tom Jones got the best you know his son manages him wow yeah and he's got the best sense of humor the Welsh you know you know the banter was really really interesting and I saw him in Melbourne And I said to him after the show, I said, you know, you were singing the green, green grass at home and there was somebody, a girl, she must have been 15 crying.
92:39
He said, yeah, I did good.
92:43
Love it. I love it. You were telling me when you walked in the door, you've been a 2GB listener for a while now. For years. And we had a great thrill on the Continuous Call team because, you know, I work with some big burly footballers and you emailed the Continuous Call team and I said to the producer, I said, we need to get Marsha on the phone if she's available to have a chat. You should have seen the likes of Steve Blocker-Roach, Mark Guy, Daryl Bryman. There they are. We're all singing this, folks.
93:09
What to do with myself.
93:11
We're all sitting in the commentary box at Shark Bay and I don't know what to do with myself. And I'm looking at these blokes and I'm like, Marsha Hines, you've brought them to their knees.
93:21
Oh, that's a beautiful thing. I love the guys. I started listening and thinking, oh, gosh, I really learn a lot about football. Guess what? Nah. No, but just the humour that they give, you know, and they send themselves up. And if you can't laugh at yourself, you can't laugh. You guys are really a good team. It's wonderful to listen to. It's good fun.
93:39
It's great fun. We're celebrating 100 years this year, the 2GB, so there's some big celebrations to come, but we need as many of our listeners to come along and see you and your brilliant best in Velvet Info, and to be doing it at the Opera House.
93:50
Yeah. It's pretty nice, you know, and so we're doing eight shows a week. We do two shows Sunday, two shows Saturday, and then we do, you know, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Monday we die. Yeah.
94:04
We just sleep in. Relax.
94:10
I just I did nothing. I ate and slept and looked at the sun and stay with my dog and cat. That's all I was capable of doing yesterday. But today we start again at six thirty. I think the show is. Yes.
94:21
Fantastic. Well, for those people wanting to head along, you can go to sydneyoperahouse.com. That's the website where you can buy your tickets and go along and see, well, just an extremely talented woman who has been entertaining fans and listeners for many, many years and continues just to go from strength to strength. Marsha Hines, it is a great pleasure to meet you firstly, but thank you for all the wonderful words that you've said about me. And if I can encourage our listeners to come along and support you and watch this wonderful show, Velvet Inferno, at the Opera House, We've done our job.
94:51
Thanks for coming in.
94:52
My pleasure. Thank you.
94:53
Nice to see you. Marsha Hines, ladies and gentlemen. We'll take a break at 11.30. Back with more in a sec.
94:59
What a delight. How good is Marsha Hines? Mark, please pass on to Marsha how much I'm enjoying the re-release of her album with John English, Jokers and Queens. It's the first time on CD after 44 years. I'll do that, Damien. Thank you for that. Hi, Mark. How good is Marsha? I've been listening to her from the Countdown era from Sandra. And, oh, my gosh, Mark, I love Marsha Hines. My best all-ever song without you. Thank you and thinking of you, mate, it's been a hard day. Lisa, do you mean this one? Yeah.
95:30
There's something very special about you It's all because of you now And I wonder how I ever got it now Without you There's something very special about you You're all in the thing about it's the truth Oh, baby, it's you
96:30
Yeah, what a voice. If you'd like to head along and see Marsha in Velvet Inferno, simply go to sydneyoperahouse.com.au. And speaking of the Opera House, our wonderful Opera House is set to receive a bit of an upgrade. This news today, it'll receive a $120 million upgrade over the next four years to renew critical infrastructure, modernise ageing venue technology and replace concrete beams, slabs and piers in a tidal zone beneath the iconic landmark. It said the works will begin in 2027, focusing first on reinforcing infrastructure.
97:05
So there you are. That's all happening at the Sydney Opera House, the beautiful venue that it is down on Sydney Harbour at Circular Quay. And look, just while we're talking about other stories, Qantas is considering sending up to 1,000 Australian jobs offshore to India. as part of a disgraceful major cost-cutting push. This story is on the front page of the Financial Review today. The plan-dubbed Project IQ would outsource parts of the airline's marketing, finance, HR and other back-office roles as it leans harder into artificial intelligence.
97:39
It's being worked up with consulting giant Accenture through the Qantas insist no final decision has been made and no formal deal is in place. But if it goes ahead, it'd be a stunning backflip because when Vanessa Hudson took over as boss in 2023, it was to bring jobs back to Australia and Australians and repair the airline's battered reputation with customers and its workers. Qantas says it's still hiring thousands of operational staff here, including pilots and engineers, and it's not alone in looking overseas, with Woolworths, NAB and Officeworks all making similar moves in the past year.
98:16
The airline points to a soaring wages bill up to $60 million, partly, it says, because of Labor's same job, same pay laws. And the jobs in the firing line? Largely ones not covered by the union. So that's what's happening there.
98:30
Also, this news through from police. A swimmer has been located during a multi-agency search at Fingal Head this morning. At about 6.45 last night, emergency services were called to Dreamtime Beach, Fingal Head, following reports of a swimmer who had gone missing. Officers attended and were told a 30-year-old woman had entered the water and not returned. The search of the water and beach commenced with the assistance of Marine Area Command, Pole Air and the Westpac Rescue helicopter. However, the woman was not located. The search was suspended at 11 o'clock and recommenced this morning and at 6.55 this morning a woman was located near a floating marker in the Tweed River.
99:09
Water police, assisted by police negotiators, were able to bring the woman safely aboard a police vessel. She was taken to Fingal Wharf, where she was assessed by paramedics before being taken to Tweed Valley Hospital for further assessment. Wow. Quite the operation at Fingal Head this morning. 131873 is the number, 2GB.com. Click onto the feedback icon. And while we're talking about police, a teenage boy has been charged after an alleged stabbing on the state's central coast. At about 3.45pm yesterday, emergency services were called to Lemon Gum Circuit in Blue Haven following reports of a stabbing.
99:47
When they arrived, they found an 18-year-old man with a stab wound. Police were told the man was allegedly stabbed near a shopping centre on the Pacific Highway, San Remo, before he was transported to Blue Haven. He was treated at the scene by paramedics before being airlifted to John Hunter Hospital in a critical condition.
100:04
Police established a crime scene. A knife was later located and seized from a property in San Remo. And following inquiries at about 9.30 last night, police arrested a 15-year-old boy on Sally Close at Lakehaven. He was taken to Wyong Police Station where he was charged with wound person with intent to cause grievous bodily harm. The teenager was refused bail to appear before a children's court today. So the New South Wales Police have certainly been busy over the last 24 hours.
100:33
131873, the number, 2GB.com. Click onto the feedback icon. Well, look, continuing the theme of Australian music, I was having a look at some of the birthdays today and just before we get to the song that I'm going to play, the Queen Mother would have been celebrating a birthday today. She died back in 2002, aged 101. Louis Armstrong, the US trumpeter.
100:55
And scat vocalist, had the number one hit in Australia in 1988. He would have been celebrating a birthday today. He died back in 1971. Morrie Fields, Australian actor and entertainer. He died back in 95 at the age of 69. Some of the other birthdays, Barack Obama, the former US president, is 65 today. Jock Zonfrillo. former MasterChef Judge, who sadly took his own life back in 2023 at the age of 46. Jocks would have been celebrating a birthday today. And the Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle, she is turning 45 today.
101:30
She is celebrating a birthday. But look, one of the other birthdays today...
101:34
is not only a great Australian singer, she's been a judge on some of the shows, be it Australian Idol and X Factor and the like, and I'm talking about the Idol runner-up back in 2006, Jess Mowboy. And I first heard this song by Jess Mowboy a couple of years ago, and gee, I think it's a beautiful song. So happy birthday to Jess Malboy, born in Darwin in the Northern Territory. And she had her first baby Mia in January of 2024. And she is certainly an incredible star and an incredible vocalist.
102:05
And this is a song of hers called Little Things.
102:08
Don't say I'm pretty. Not like you. It means so much more.
102:17
Yeah, what a beautiful song. Jess Malboy is celebrating a birthday today. While we've been listening to that, we've been chasing some information. We've had a number of calls about an incident on the M5 motorway at the River Road off-ramp in Reevesby.
102:32
Heavy police presence. I think there's been some...
102:36
tow trucks out there as well. I've had a few messages, over a dozen police cars, sirens speeding along the Henry Lawson Drive at Mill Paramark. What's going on? Well, we've had it now confirmed by police that there was a pursuit that's resulted in a crash at Reevesby. The M5 motorway at the River Road off-ramp in Reevesby, one patient is being assessed. So just steer clear of the area if you can. Admittedly, we are talking about the M5, but police now confirming that it was a police pursuit. A car has crashed at Reevesby M5 motorway at the River Road off-ramp.
103:09
That's in Reevesby. One patient is being assessed by paramedics. Now, have you heard those dreaded scratching sounds in your walls? Maybe you've seen the telltale signs of little black droppings. Don't let pests take over your home. Do something about it now with the Pestrol Rodent Free Max. No mess, no traps and no dangerous poisons. You just plug it in and let it work. Using advanced smart technology, Pestrol Rodent Free Max safely and silently drives rodents out of your home. It's family friendly, pet safe, environmentally responsible and super easy to use.
103:39
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104:03
I'm just having a look here at the MND fundraiser in honour of the late Bob Montgomery for MND. Please support my cause. $99,929. We're nearly there, ladies and gentlemen. We've got 10 minutes. We're nearly there. $99,929. Let's do it for Bob.
104:20
We'll get there. We'll get there. Michael McLaren's up after the news at midday morning, Michael.
104:25
Good one, mate. What do you need to get to $100,000?
104:27
$99,900. I need another $70. All right. There you go.
104:30
I'll give it to you.
104:31
BobMontgomery.com.au. Done. $100,000. You're built in.
104:35
I'll give you $100,000. There you go. You're over $100,000. You're a good man. Thank you, mate.
104:39
It's been a bit of a tough morning, mate. Yeah, it has. You've got a busy afternoon ahead. What have you got coming up?
104:44
Well, we do. Look, we've got stacks on. I'll speak to Scott Hutcherson, the chairman of Hutcherson's Builders, about the housing. You had a great interview earlier about some of this.
104:52
There's another aspect to this, though, of course, and those in the building game will probably recognise this, that is the economics of building increasingly no longer add up. And so when you think about we've got declining prices, but we've got a constant increase in the input costs and labour costs and whatnot, these guys can't build apartments for a saleable price in the market. So they're saying we're not going to build. And this is a big part of the problem when it comes to supply and demand.
105:21
And there's stories, the Fin Review have done a pretty good job on this. You know, blokes building in parts of Brisbane and Sydney a decade ago. It cost them, say, 300,000 to build a unit.
105:30
They could sell it for about $600,000. That would factor in a 15% profit margin, pay wages, so on and so forth. Today, they could sell units in those same areas for about $750,000, but the cost to build it plus profit margin is about a million. So they're not going to build.
105:45
And when the values are now going south, it just makes it worse. So I'll speak to Scott and see what's happening on the inside. I've got other stuff, but I wanted to raise this with you quickly. Have you ever had a situation where you've met someone who's famous and not recognised them?
106:02
Think about it. We had a situation here yesterday. You know, the wonderful, the great Larry Emder? Yeah. And we interviewed him about his Ben Buckler whiskey. Anyway, so very generously. He personally came yesterday to the building with a bottle in a box and blah, blah, blah, blah, blah. Went downstairs to reception and did the whole intercom thing or whatever. I don't know who it was. Someone came out and said, oh, hello. And he said, oh, no, I've got this for Michael. Right. And they said, oh, that's nice.
106:28
And they just took it off Larry.
106:30
Oh, no.
106:31
And brought it up themselves. So someone in, what, sales or something? I don't know who it was. Oh, no. They didn't recognise him.
106:37
Larry Emda.
106:37
They didn't recognise Larry. What? So he wanted to come up and say goodnight.
106:40
Oh, no.
106:42
So we had to speak to him on the phone. You know what? You've got to get him in and do a chat about his career or something. Well, we did. We did all that. It was fantastic. Do it again. But we'll be doing something.
106:50
Yeah.
106:52
And I'll go and meet him myself.
106:54
You know what? Go over to his place and record it at his joint. All right, Michael.
106:58
Oh, dear.
106:58
Thank you, sir.
106:59
Thank you, Mark.
106:59
Thank you, mate. We'll be listening after the news at midday. Oh, dear, oh, dear. A massive happy birthday to CPAP Direct, celebrating 12 huge years of helping Aussies sleep better this month. Bryce is the boss. Jeez, he's a ripper. And they're running these great offers like a free mask of your choice with every new CPAP device purchase. Plus, the more you spend, the more you save with up to $200 of instant cashbacks available. Simply go into a CPAP direct store, say happy birthday. Otherwise, go to cpap.com.au.
107:42
All I really need is a little good news. Parramatta BMW is your destination for driving joy.
107:49
Yeah, your chance to win a BMW valued at over $90,000 to send through your good news, go to the win page at 2GB.com. We're making it nice and easy for you. Cherie from Newport's been in touch, and it's about Cherie's grandmother. Years ago, a lonely man named Frank used to visit her parents' bakery a few times a week. Never spoke to a soul. He'd buy coffee, stare out at the street for an hour, then walk home. Until one morning, Cherie's granny, just four years old at the time, walked up and asked, can I sit with you? My mum says, you look lonely. Frank laughed and said, of course.
108:21
The next day, someone else joined them. Within weeks, there were 10 chairs outside that bakery and people started calling it Frank's Table. A year on, the council made it official, naming it the Yellow Chair Project, with free community coffee every Friday. And what a beautiful reminder, sometimes the smallest gesture changes everything. So keep those good news stories coming. All thanks to Parramatta BMW, your destination for driving joy. 2GB.com and head to the win page. Five to midday.
108:49
Just before I get out of here, I've had a note from Bob Montgomery's wife, 59's Jenny, and her daughters Alice and Lee and Annie, along with all the 10 grandchildren, including 18-year-old Tom. They just wanted to say a big thank you to our 2GB listeners for joining Bob on his One Last Ride for MND.
109:08
And I'm delighted to say, as I refresh the page here in front of me, we've just clicked over $100,000. $100,000.
109:17
Thank you very much for your generosity, ladies and gentlemen. I think it's a great tribute to a wonderful man.
109:24
who we sadly lost last night, and we're certainly thinking of all of his family and friends at this very difficult time. Michael McLaren is up on your radio after the news at midday, followed by Clinton Maynard. We'll be back to do it all over again tomorrow from 9 o'clock. Have a great afternoon. I'll see you around the roundabout. Bye-bye.
