Mornings With John Mackenzie

John MacKenzie chats with Cr. Brett Moller, CRC Representative for Division 1, about local policy implementation following a forum where upset residents expressed their opposition to a proposed fishing ban on the Cairns Esplanade. Cr. Moller confirmed that there have been no complaints made by residents against Esplanade fishers and that the controversial recommendations came internally from council staff who allegedly witnessed unsafe fishing behaviour, and proposed the idea for consultation.  The community's backlash and opposition have been loud and conspicuous, and it's being highly speculated that an outright ban is unlikely. 

John Mackenzie chats with Shane Knuth, KAP State Member for Hill, about a $30 million wildlife bridge ignored by a cassowary that instead crossed the road beside it. The bird somehow made its way around the barrier designed to direct it toward the safe crossing built by the government. Some are asking if cassowaries were consulted before construction began, to see if they would use the bridge. What began in 2019 as a $9.8 million safe crossing for wildlife at Smith's Gap, has now become an example of bureaucracy gone wrong as the budget has more than tripled, has faced lengthy delays, and evidently isn't being used by cassowaries as intended. Cassowary advocacy groups collaborated with governmental agencies to develop the unsuccessful initiative.

John MacKenzie chats with Luke Twyford, CEO of the Queensland Family & Child Commission, about discovered failings within the residential care system (Resicare). The investigations were spearheaded by the newly appointed Minister for Child Safety and local Member for Barron, Craig Crawford, and have highlighted the need for major overhauls, labeling the system as "under pressure" and acknowledging that it was designed to be a temporary place of care, but has morphed into a place for long-term living. Luke Twyford explained how Resicare homes are somewhat clinical and unhomely, meaning that children were hesitant about spending much time there.

John MacKenzie chats with Robbie Katter, State Member for Traeger and Queensland Leader of Katter's Australian Party, about the latest "Voice to Parliament" polling numbers. Katter reiterated his support for the No campaign, explaining that a bureaucratic body located in big southern cities will do little to improve the lives and fortunes of Indigenous Australians. Polling currently shows increased support for the "No" vote over the "Yes" vote (which is sitting at 38% support), with statistics as high as 61% in regional areas in support of voting "No". On 14th October 2023, Australians will decide in a referendum vote whether or not to include Indigenous Australians in the constitution as a recognised governmental body to advise on lawmaking decisions.

Gavin King chats with Sabrina Tooley, founder of Safe Gaming Projects, about an initiative to engage young offenders with a video game centre. The idea is to operate a place for video gaming available 24/7 in an effort to reduce youth crime affecting Cairns. The centre plans to offer nutritious meals, a series streaming services, and video gaming. Sabrine Tooley, a youth social worker, said that the idea came to her after her own experience trying to engage her son, and found that video games were the prevailing saviour.  “The idea is to get kids affected by family violence off the streets and out of crime and into playing video games to educate and empower them,” Sabrina explained.

John MacKenzie chats with Senator Matthew Canavan about the cost-of-living crisis, the future of power blackouts, changing Australian town names to Indigenous alternatives, and "welcome to country" protocols.

John MacKenzie chats with Ian Leavers, President and CEO of the Queensland Police Union, about the case of a police vehicle being intentionally rammed by a stolen car in Townsville. Two officers were taken to hospital following the deliberate attack that was allegedly committed by teenagers earlier this week. Mr. Leavers has called for actual punishments and jail time for violent offenders while facing backlash from legal societies who want to lobby for increasing the age of criminal responsibility. 

John MacKenzie chats with Dr. Terry Goldsworthy, Associate Professor in Criminology at Bond University, about policing recidivism and young repeat offenders.  Recent data has revealed shocking figures as high as 90% of juveniles at the Cleveland Youth Detention Centre commit another crime within 12 months of being released.  Dr. Goldsworthy commented on the changes that may be required in upper positions of government and the policing force in Queensland.

John MacKenzie catches up again with Dr. Paul Williams, Associate Professor in Politics and Journalism at Griffith University, for the latest update on polling data in regards to the upcoming "voice to parliament" referendum. The most recent polling figures show 53% popularity for the No Vote (i.e. for those who do not wish to change the constitution) and a low 38% in support of the Yes Vote. On October 14 2023 Australians will vote to amend the constitution to add a governmental Indigenous advisory body. On other matters, Dr. Williams commented on the falling popularity of Labor politicians in Far North Queensland, in particular around Cairns and Townsville, with youth crime being the primary motivator.

John MacKenzie Mark Olsen, CEO of Tourism Tropical North Queensland, about the increase in the market of dive tourism and the potential return of Cathay Pacific Airlines. With strong numbers coming from Europe, the USA, and the United Kingdom the demand for adventure tourism experiences is rising, with diving expeditions and courses returning to circa 60% of pre-pandemic levels. Mr. Olsen also commented on a delegation that recently traveled to Hong Kong to lobby for the return of Cathay Pacific flights to Cairns City, which could see the annual injection of $ 200 million into the local economy.

John MacKenzie chats with Dr. Paul Williams, Associate Professor in Politics and Journalism at Griffith University, about the upcoming referendum on October 14th, 2023 where Australia will vote to change the constitution to include an Indigenous "voice to parliament". The "voice" would work as an additional branch of government to advise on policy that affects Indigenous Australians.  Proponents explain how an advisory body will be the answer to problems facing Indigenous people and will help to "close the gap".  Opponents fear a lack of clarity or details as to how the new body of government will work or what their powers will be, and liken it to writing out a blank cheque. Campaigners have six weeks to inform voters in order to win a majority of people from a majority of states.

John MacKenzie chats with Rob Erskine, owner of Tackle World on Aumuller Street, for his response to a listener who asked if the CRC can ban fishing on the Esplanade if it falls beyond local council boundaries. The Cairns Regional Council has recently proposed a complete fishing ban for the esplanade, citing safety and litter concerns. Division 5 Councillor, Amy Eden, has confirmed she has heard no complaints from constituents and that she would not support any bans, with many other councillors vowing that fishing will continue in Cairns.

John MacKenzie chats with Cr. Brett Olds, CRC Representative for Division 9, about a range of topics, including parking fine increases, the Cairns Festival Parade's potential rescheduling, and a digital sign at the northern beaches. The big subject in question is the rescheduling of the Carins Festival parade which was canceled at the last minute due to it raining in the wet tropics. Such hard work and sweat go into the yearly floats that many locals are calling for the parade to be postponed rather than canceled altogether. The date of October 14th is being floated as the new day for the 2023 Parade. Keep a look out!

John MacKenzie chats with Julie McKay, Manager of Cardwell Family Practice, following the win to stay open after the practice had struggled to recruit new doctors. For five years to no avail, the Cardwell Family Practice had been advertising a $500,00 per year role for a full-time general practitioner. But after a long battle to stay open, the state government has announced that management will be transferred to the Townsville Hospital and the practice will be operated by Rural Health Management Services. Julie McKay applauded the efforts of the little Cardwell community for "fighting like tigers" for what was eventually a successful outcome.

John MacKenzie chats with Danny Betros, Managing Director of CBRE Cairns, about an illegal campsite at the old Turners building with mountains of rubbish piling up and a dangerous dog on site. The campsite was revealed by a talkback caller earlier this week who was disgusted by the state of the location and felt unsafe walking by. Deputy Mayor of Cairns, Terry James, was listening to 4CA and immediately drove to the site to investigate, only to be set upon by the camper's dog! Danny Betros said that he had already "moved on" the illegal campers explaining that the site is ready for demolition to make way for the new Officeworks building.

John MacKenzie chats with Aaron McLeod, President of The Crime and Justice Action Group, following his attendance at a victims of crime rally in Brisbane. A massive crowd met in the streets outside parliament to demand action from the Palaszczuk after distraught Queenslanders have had enough of exacerbating crime and disorder around the state. Aaron was able to have a discussion with Queensland Police Commissioner Katarina Carroll to put additional pressure on the government for immediate action. The rally was organised by "Voice for Victims" founder, Ben Cannon.

John MacKenzie chats with Acting Assistant Commissioner George Marchesini, Commander of the Youth Crime Taskforce, for an update on the state of crime in Queensland, in particular younger offenders. Mr. Marchesini explained his focus on early intervention after it was revealed that the majority of hardline young criminals are reoffending within 12 months.

John MacKenzie chats with Cr. Cathy Zeiger, CRC Representative for Division 3, about dog management in the CBD and a proposed fishing ban for Cairns Esplanade. Since 2011, a bylaw stands that bans pets from effectively the entire CBD of Cairns. The realisation of the existing law has many residents confused, especially local cafe owners within the designated area who advertise as "pet-friendly".   You can have your say on local laws as a part of the Cairns Regional Council's public consultation initiative by emailing your thoughts to review@cairns.qld.gov.au Another proposed law change would see a complete fishing ban for the Cairns Esplanade, in response to safety concerns. The proposed ban has been met with fierce opposition from concerned stakeholders who see such a nanny-state move as a knee-jerk reaction by out-of-touch bureaucrats.

John Mackenzie chats with Andrew Nakovics, Co-Owner of Cardzilla, who recently spoke out against crime and gangs of offenders who are terrorising local businesses. As a security measure, Cardzilla is now keeping its doors locked during operating hours with a sign at the front encouraging customers to knock. Businesses in neighbouring suburbs have also been locking their doors during the daytime after a female shop worker was repeatedly threatened with being "bashed and raped".