Mornings with John Mackenzie

John MacKenzie chats with Cr. Locky Bensted, Mareeba Shire, about the scourge of youth crime in Queensland and the rights of police officers. Following reports of officers in Queensland being too afraid to attend work due to the culture of fear created by violent criminals who now target police, Cr. Bensted brought into question the "duty of care" owed by government to its employees and citizens.

John MacKenzie chats with talkback caller George, from Fetta's Greek Taverna, who is enraged at the decision to stand down a top Queensland cop guilty of pursuing criminals. The officer in question is accused of approving the direction to ram a car during a pursuit on February 1st on the Gold Coast. George shares his opinions on reinstating the officer, a growing opinion shared by many Queenslanders who are urging the Police Commissioner to put the veteran officer back on the beat.

John MacKenzie chats with Hayley from Cardwell who had to call the Department of Environment and Science to get help removing a 2.4-metre crocodile that was hanging out too close for comfort in her backyard.

John MacKenzie chats with Cr. Martin Bella, Mackay Regional Council, about the recent show of support by regional Mayors in Queensland to address the increasing concern of crime and youth offending. The state government's Youth Justice Reform Select Committee is holding an inquiry into crime in Cairns, with a forum being held today (7 Feb 2024). Cr. Bella has long stated that there must be a separation of the 'predators and their prey' arguing that the scales of justice need to be recalibrated in favour of victims suffering at the hands of juvenile thugs.

John MacKenzie chats with Warren Entsch, LNP Federal Member for Leichhardt, about traditional hunting methods meeting legal and moral obligations after a turtle was rescued off Green Island. The traditional practices are coming under scrutiny in an environmentally-conscious world where marine creatures, such as turtles, are killed for game and butchered in front of international tourists at popular destinations.

John MacKenzie chats with Sabine Schroeder about the community's desire to see the return of markets in the city, with DFO (Direct Factory Outlet) Shopping Centre on Mulgrave Road coming to the rescue. Cairns City once saw regular community markets held near the esplanade lagoon and additional markets held when a cruise ship was docked at the terminal. After news broke of Sabine's mission to see a return of regular community markets, she was inundated with positive reception from over 130 local vendors who are keen to be involved.

John MacKenzie chats with Mark Olsen, CEO of Tourism Tropical North Queensland (TTNQ), about the return of flights from China for the Luna New Year, the very first since flights ended due to the Covid-19 pandemic lockdowns.

John Mackenzie chats with Dan Purdie, LNP State Member for Ninderry & Shadow Minister for Police and Community Safety, about stretched policing resources in Queensland following a growing youth crime crisis that has seen police cars being targeted.

John MacKenzie chats with Geoffrey Thomas, Editor-in-chief at AirlineRatings.com, about a sales blitz by Qantas offering cheap international airfares and the first anniversary of Bonza, Australia's new, budget airline.

John MacKenzie chats with Senator Matthew Canavan about Woolworth's controversial decision not to stock Australia Day merchandise this January 26th. The Woolworths decision has been labeled as "woke" by many Australians who have expressed their outrage. In response to the backlash, the supermarket giant has gone into overdrive with advertisements rationalising its new policy. The madness has extended to local government, with the Cairns Regional Council hosting a "Family Fun Day" instead of using the title "Australia Day". Senator Canavan courageously speaks out against this divisive move to quash Australia Day.

John MacKenzie chats with Allan Benn from Kamerunga about his "letter to the editor" regarding crocodile management and human priorities. This is following reported sightings of a crocodile at the Redlynch Valley bridge just downstream from the popular Crystal Cascades swimming spot. Allan made local headlines in December 2022, when his daughter's dog was snatched by a saltie at the water's edge on Stoney Creek Road, at a place frequented by children and people fishing. Allan Benn is running in 2024 for the Cairns Regional Council's seat of division 6.

John MacKenzie chats with Michelle from the Speewah Tavern about the Queensland Emergency Management Levy, designed to cope with disaster-affected relief and support. Michelle argues that more should have been done in the wake of Cyclone Jasper's flood event, considering there is already a tax designed that funds such relief. The levy was introduced by former state premier, Anna Bligh, and according to their website the "Emergency Management Levy (EML) is applied to all Queensland property via council rates to ensure there is a sustainable funding base for fire and emergency services when Queenslanders are at risk during emergencies such as floods, cyclones, storms as well as fire and accidents."

John MacKenzie chats with Senator Matthew Canavan about supermarket giant Woolworth's controversial decision not to stock Australia Day merchandise, even though a majority of the public supports the national day. The divisive move by Woolworths comes as recent polling shows around two-thirds of Aussies don't want the January 26th date changed.

John MacKenzie chats with Lui Garozzo, Managing Director of Total Food Network (based in Cairns, with operations in PNG), about riots and unrest on the streets of Port Moresby in Papua New Guinea. Public servants, including police and military personnel, took to violence in the streets, even surrounding the residence of the Prime Minister. This was sparked by a payroll glitch that led to government staff being underpaid. Mr. Garozzo alleged that his staff in PNG were forced to hunker down for safety as rioters smashed every available shop front they came across.

John MacKenzie chats with Gina Court, who shares her experience of helping those in need following the epic floods that destroyed many communities in Far North Queensland. Tales of heroism and defiance against the odds abound in the Bloomfield region, north of Cairns, with stories of people clinging for life to sheets tied to trees. Gina has been traveling back and forwards and needs your support to provide relief and supplies to flood-impacted northern communities. Call Gina on 0418770919 if you can help!

John MacKenzie chats with Dr. Terry Goldsworthy, Associate Professor in Criminology at Bond University, about Acting Assistant Commissioner Andrew Massingham's bold new vision to bring youth crime under control in Queensland. Mr Massingham will be in charge of the QPS response to juvenile offending and has labeled social media as the "number one" driving force of exacerbating youth crime. Dr. Terry Goldsworthy provides his valuable insight into the audacious plans.

John MacKenzie chats with Deputy Mayor Brett Moller, CRC Representative for Division 1, about updates following the Cyclone Jasper flooding event: - A council notice to boil water has ended for some localities - Fisheries Creek bridge was addressed after being lost, leaving a community stranded - The rest stop at the Mulgrave River is still closed, including the toilet block, pending cleaning. The issue of crocodiles was spoken about, considering that some people in stranded communities are taking risks in croc-infested water to access the "mainland".

John MacKenzie chats with Deputy Mayor Brett Moller, CRC Representative for Division 1, about the stranded community in Goldsborough Valley who live across Fisheries Bridge that was destroyed in the recent flooding. Cr. Moller was attending the site along with members of the State Emergency Service, after speaking with locals through social media. The issue was brought to the attention of many following a call from a listener Judy, who was supporting locals with boat rides across the river.

John MacKenzie chats with Martin Anton from Machans Beach about the destruction experienced in the wake of the recent flooding. Some residents in Machans have lost everything, sewerage lines are backing up, and telecommunications is limited or non-existent. Mr. Anton is pleading with the Albanese Government to provide a swift relief package and to consider subsidising hotel rooms (like during Covid-19) for immediate use by flood refugees who now face homelessness.

John MacKenzie chats with Roddy Rees, Sole Director of Cairns Adventure Group and Raging Thunder Adventure, about his flood experience and the new facility at Lake Placid being destroyed. The entire north has been inundated with unprecedented flooding that has damaged around 1,400 homes and countless businesses. The damage bill is expected to be in the billions of dollars.

John MacKenzie chats with Mel Fogarty, Carins North Local and Owner of Beyond the Willow Tree, about her part in amazing rescue efforts to save 60 people in one night at Holloways Beach, including 28 people stuck on a roof! Cairns and Far North Queensland experienced a 1-in-100-year flood event on Sunday 17th December 2023, following the crossing of Cyclone Jasper earlier in the week.

John MacKenzie chats with Ian Leavers, President & CEO of the Queensland Police Union, about the announced new police helicopter for Townville, following unprecedented levels of crime, including an ambulance being targeted.

John MacKenzie chats with Cr. Brett Olds, CRC Representative for Division 9, about cyclone mania and the knee-jerk reaction of council bureaucrats and their preemptive response to Cyclone Jasper.

John MacKenzie chats with Chris Hodgman, Chief Superintendent District Officer Townsville, about the unprecedented crime and anti-social behaviour plaguing Townsville, including targeted attacks on police vehicles.

Caroline from Wonga Beach called John MacKenzie with concerns about the local Telstra telecommunications tower and battery backup during Cyclone Jasper. Caroline felt as though her pleas were falling on deaf ears, but then Don from Yorkey's Knob suggested she call the John MacKenzie Show to get some answers. Long story short, Telstra was listening and issued this statement: "Good afternoon. We heard your caller to Macca from Wonga Beach, who was concerned about communication after Jasper crosses tomorrow. Just wanting to confirm we recently upgraded our battery backup at Wonga Beach, which should keep services online for a lot longer if/when the power goes down. It’s also on our priority list if services do go down. We also have a fleet of generators and our technicians ready to roll as soon as it is safe to do so to restore power or begin repairs to any affected sites." The power of radio lives on!

John MacKenzie chats with Cr. Martin Bella, Mackay Regional Council, to contrast the crimes occurring in Townsville to Cairns and Mackay, following a spate of Police vehicles being rammed by juvenile thugs. At least 5 police cars have been rammed in the last week, and a TPI war veteran's vehicle was trashed and rammed. 75 vehicles were allegedly stolen in Townsville in the last seven days. The situation is timely, as Palaszczuk steps down as Queenslad's Premier following state-wide condemnation from victims of crime and violence who've had enough.

John MacKenzie chats with Councillor Locky Bensted, Mareeba Shire, about an act of civil unrest and riots against police in the streets of Mareeba. In unrelated incidents, police cars in Townsville were again targeted by youth criminals and rammed. Brazen thugs are now forcing entry to homes with bricks, bats, and clubs as residents hide in fear or bravely fight back in defence. "People are living in absolute fear. It is chaos like we've never seen before" remarked LNP state leader of the opposition, David Crisafulli. Councillor Bensted is outspoken against inaction on crime and wants to see a return to civility and respect.

John MacKenzie chats with Cr. Cathy Zeiger, CRC Representative for Division 3, about the convenient timing of the replacement councillor for Division 4 without the need for a by-election. With the early retirement of Bob Manning and the succession of Terry James as the new mayor, a gap was left in Terry's Division 4 electorate that needed filling. Due to the proximity of an upcoming local government election early next year, a by-election isn't necessary under state law. The considered candidate is likely to be voted in as a majority of councillors are comprised of the Unity Team, giving the new division 4 councillor an incumbent advantage ahead of the election. It was also revealed that a cover letter was adequate preparation required for the considered candidate, instead of their entire curriculum vitae being available.

John MacKenzie chats with Cr. Cathy Zeiger, CRC Representative for Division 3, who called in to tell a story about the brazen theft, and imminent return, of a $20,000 lawnmower from the Saints Hockey Club in Woree. The swift action from the Cairns Regional Council's CCTV team and the Queensland Police located the mower that had become stuck on a nearby train crossing. Cr. Zeiger reminded everyone that a small club cannot afford to have such expensive equipment stolen. Approximately 8,000 sausages would need to be sold at the next sausage sizzle to replace the lawnmower.

John MacKenzie chats with Ken Harley, Local Crime Emergency Activist, about riots and unrest on the streets in Mareeba. Reports have come in of gangs of juveniles assaulting people in broad daylight in the main supermarket car park, including the elderly, making Mareeba feel like a war zone. Furthermore, the 'Enough is Enough Mareeba' Facebook page shows a video where a group of adults are in a riot-like battle in the middle of the street, and police cars are allegedly attacked, with a voice being heard saying "drag the motherf**ker outta the car". The Facebook group name rings true: enough truly is enough!

John MacKenzie chats with Rob Schwarten, former Queensland Parliamentarian, about Palaszczuk's popularity as premier of the state, and the direction of the Australian Labor Party in the modern world.

Danny Betros from CBRE points to the mismanagement of Anzac Park beside the Casino in Cairns' CBD. Danny observed drunken itinerants talking over and garbage piles not being cleaned and reiterated the need for a strong council with a vision for an environment we can all enjoy living in. Following the talkback call, the new Deputy Mayor Brett Moller went to investigate Anzac Park and concurred with Danny's reports, saying that the issue would be swiftly fixed.

John MacKenzie chats with Brett Olds, CRC Councillor for Division 9, about the convenient timing regarding the early departure of Mayor Bob Manning and the introduction of a new mayor and deputy quite close to an election. The vote to replace the Mayor without an election fell just within the limits of the law and was chosen by Cairns Regional Council last week, with the unity team's majority vote elevating Terry James to the top position. The replacement for the Deputy, as well as the new division 4 councilor (needed to replace Terry James's seat), will also not require an election and will instead be chosen by the council. Cr. Olds said that it gives The Unity Team an unfair advantage as incumbents in the upcoming election in 2024.

John MacKenzie chats with Danny Betros, Managing Director of CBRE Cairns, about the council's mismanagement of Anzac Park beside the Casino. Danny also brought to life the plans to revamp Mondo's, the riverfront restaurant at The Hilton. Anzac Park is seeing a growing problem with itinerants and drunks who frequent the popular tourist area, resulting in a bad image for Cairns. Mr Betros said in his opinion that nonsensical red tape is being used as an excuse for a council that is weak and lacking true leadership.

John MacKenzie chats with Mark Olsen, CEO of Tourism Tropical North Queensland (TTNQ), following 3 days of tourism forums and discussions in Cairns. An increase to the Growing Future Tourism Fund to a total of $30 million was announced by the government and the need to attract international visitation and see its return to pre-pandemic levels.

John MacKenzie chats with Keith Hamburger AM, Former Director-General of Queensland's Corrective Services, about staff shortages at youth detention centres around the state. Reports are coming in of centres reaching full capacity and teenagers being locked up, for up to 23 hours per day. This is amidst government plans to construct two new detention facilities. Keith Hamburger suggested the government should 'pause plans amid concerns they will be ineffective in terms of reducing crime'.

John MacKenzie chats with Jemma Probert, owner of Kerry D Fishing Charters in Karumba, about a "plague of rats" that have recently invaded the Gulf-based town. Footage and pictures of thousands of rats have flooded social media with many washing up dead along the shorelines. Jemma Probert explains her firsthand encounters as she has to fight off rats from climbing into her boat on a daily basis. Experts are saying that a record wet season, coupled with an abundance of vegetation to feed upon, has led to the plague of long-haired rats.

John MacKenzie chats with John Hardy OAM, Second World War Historian and Local Tour Guide, about the strange case of 3 unexploded ordnances (UXO) discovered in the Bilwon State Forest near Mareeba, dating back to the Second World War. The 80-year-old bombs are still considered extremely dangerous and representatives from the Australian Defence Force attended the site. John Hardy OAM has a rich knowledge of the history surrounding World War 2, especially from a local perspective, and operates historical tours of the Atherton Tablelands. The region was a hotspot for military training during the war.

John MacKenzie chats with Dr. Peter Ridd, Independent Scientist and Marine Geophysicist, about the government's commitment of another $50 million to improve reef quality, bringing the budget to around $200 million in total.

The allegedly stolen puppies recovered by police have the community of Cairns talking, so John MacKenzie caught up with dog owner, Andrea White, to understand her ordeal and the outcome. The four golden retriever puppies were returned to Andrea following raids and arrests of multiple teenage offenders. The puppies are only a couple of weeks old. "A total of seven teenagers aged between 14 and 18-years have now been charged." says a report by Queensland Police.

John MacKenzie chats with Allen Bobbermen, President of the Queensland Seafood Industry Association, following the state government's $90-million compensation announcement for the phasing out of gillnet fishing.

John MacKenzie chats with Dr. Paul Williams, Associate Professor in Politics and Journalism at Griffith University, about secret polling done to judge the state government's popularity that was funded by the taxpayer but organised by Palaszczuk. It is being reported that the 66-week polling venture cost taxpayers over $390,000.