Mornings With John Mackenzie

John MacKenzie chats with Roger Ward, Director of Cairns Mortgage Brokers and Senior Fellow of the Financial Services Institute of Australasia, about the many households that will be forced off their fixed-rate home loan. The Reserve Bank of Australia has data revealing that 53% of Queenland home loans will be pushed back on to a variable rate. The end of a fixed-rate loan could mean an average increase in payments of $1114.

John MacKenzie chats with George Karagiannis, Owner of Fetta's Greek Taverna, about the proposed 6-story tower at Palm Cove. A recent trip to the Gold Coast showcased to Mr. Karagiannis what is most undesirable: tall buildings that rise up and shadow the sandy beaches.  Many want to keep Palm Cove as a lush, tropical oasis rather than a concrete jungle. If you are opposed to the currently proposed development for Palm Cove then you need to email your concerns to the Cairns Regional Council. Letters against the development can be emailed to submissions@cairns.qld.gov.au Alternatively, to sign a petition, then head down and find the stall at the upcoming Palm Cove markets held on Sunday 2nd April 2023.

John MacKenzie chats with Lance, Grandfather of 20-year-old Declan Laverty who was fatally stabbed at a Darwin bottle shop on Sunday. Lance thanked the community of Cairns and the public of Australia for their support during this tragic time. A 19-year-old faces charges for the alleged murder of Declan Laverty.

John MacKenzie chats with Kevin Byrne, Executive Manager of Enterprise North and Former Mayor of Cairns, about his opinion piece written in The Cairns Post titled "Drinker Bans in FNQ Won't Solve Problem". Mr. Byrne elaborated on the growing fears in the community for action to be taken on rising crime, and pointed to the reintroduction of rehabilitation centres as a method of recovery.   "The empty... hostel at Hartley Street, Portsmith is ideally located for that purpose", he stated. Kevin also provided a case study example that occurred in 1993 where the council successfully repatriated violent lawbreakers away from Cairns.

John MacKenzie chats with Robbie Katter, State Member for Traeger and Queensland Leader of Katter's Australian Party, to gain his perspective on the new youth crime reforms. Katter's Australian Party would like to governement to offer more practical solutions to curb youth crime, including a remote camp where juveniles learn vital skills, similar to the "Petford Youth Camp" once operated by the legendary Geoff Guest and Aunty Norma. Robbie Katter also provided an update on the flooded Gulf regions after visiting Northern Queensland to provide his support.

John MacKenzie chats with John Herron, Lawyer and Victims of Crime Advocate, about the changes to Queensland law in regard to youth crime and justice. John Herron is himself a victim of crime, after his daughter was murdered in 2019 by an offender who was already on bail.  Mr. Herron explains how the legislative changes won't be enough to curb the crime trends and provide support to the victims.

John MacKenzie chats with Tara Bennet, CEO Tourism Port Douglas & Daintree, about a recent trip to New Zealand to lure visitors to the Cairns and Douglas Shires. Statistics show that NZ visitation is down 80% on pre-pandemic numbers. 105K room nights in Port Douglas were filled by New Zealanders prior to Covid-19. "New Zealanders appear to be six months behind in terms of appetite and confidence to travel die to their delayed reopening" Tara bennett was quoted. The star of the trip was Nunu Restaurant's Co-Owner Nick Holloway from Palm Cove, who wowed audiences with his passion about the amazing food-bowl produced in Far North Queensland and its connection to quality restaurant dining.

John Mackenzie chats with Michelle from Edmonton, about what can be done to mitigate the negative effects foetal alcohol syndrome can have on children. Michelle has first-hand experience living with and learning how to help those affected by the syndrome. She argues that not all hope is lost for children born with alcohol syndromes or similar disorders, explaining ways to correct the behavior of troubled kids, ranging from old-school discipline to controlled breathing techniques. Michelle provides a vuluable and powerful perspective into this ongoing issue.

John MacKenzie chats with Cr. Cathy Zeiger, CRC Representative for Division 3, about the Cairns Regional Council's dog management process. Following a 4CA talkback caller and "Letters to the Editor" in our local Cairns Post regarding nuisance barking dogs, Councillor Cathy Zeiger was called upon to address the issue and explain the Council's current role and responsibilities. Electronic barking-deterrent devices can be purchased for reasonalble prices which detect a bark and emit a high pitch noise to dissuade the dog from continuing. One 4CA listener approcahed their neighbour to fit an electronic device instead of making an official complaint to council.

John MacKenzie chats with Cr. Brett Olds, CRC Representative for Division 9, about two council matters: "Facilities Going Cashless" and "Security Guards at Libraries". The crime emergency plaguing Cairns and Far North Queensland has now crept into public libraries with the Cairns Regional Council now employing security to protect staff and the community. The other hot topic of local controversy is the Council's internal move away from accepting cash payment at the Cairns transfer station. Enraged resident, Frankie Hogan, has organised a petition that is fast gathering signatures to express the want for cash payment options. You can find the "Bring Back Cash Payment Option to CRC Facilities" petition at supportive businesses/groups. List Below: TEN06 Cafe Bar 79 Sims Esplanade, Yorkeys Knob Kels Kitchen Takeaway  Hargreaves St, Edmonton Friendly Grocer 29-31 Hardy Rd, Mount Sheridan Helgas Pancake House 45-47 Spence Street, Cairns Oasis Kebab & Pizza 83 Esplanade, Cairns The Source Bulk Foods Hop

John MacKenzie chats with talkback caller, Bob from Mooroobool, about wasted policing resources in the face of escalating crime. Bob spoke about public drunkenness and anti-social behavoour, explaining his recent experience of people being threatened on the Cairns Esplanade. A situation that is getting worse as governent fails to ensure the duty of care it owes people. The conversation moved onto the "000" emergency call line and how one is now directed away from a local police station to speak with an out-of-state operator who cannot respond to known locations are cairns and Far North Queensland.

John MacKenzie chats with Dale Last, Shadow Minister for Police and Corrective Services, about the ongoing crime emergency after incidents of courtroom brawls and police being chased by offenders. A fight erupted in a courtroom between relatives of the victims and defendant, during the hearing of a teenager who was allegedly driving the vehicle that killed 14 year old Bradley Smith. Earlier this week, in Townsville, three stolen vehicles attempted to run a marked police car of the road by performing tactical manourvers. The frightened officer retreated to a nearby police station to seek refuge. The crime crisis continues in Far North Queensland while communities desperately look toward the Queensland Government for support.

John MacKenzie chats with Warren Entsch, LNP Federal Member for Leichhardt, about the Indigenous Voice to Parliament. Mr. Entsch is not convinced that the "voice" will create a concrete era of positive change for Indigenous communities because propnents cannot explain what the voice is or how it will work. Advocates have stated that all questions and frameworks regarding the voice should only be explained after a successfull referendum, effectively asking voters to hand them a blank cheque.

John MacKenzie chats with Linda Tuck, Principal of Property Ladder Real Estate, about rental pressures, shortages, and the impact crime is having on tenants and landlords. Linda Tuck experinces the horrors and financial worries of repeated home invasions, as doors, locks and windows are dmaged in order to gain entry to invade someone's personal safe space. The cost of increased security puts additional stresses on all parties, as tenants plead with landlords to wear costs of ever-increasing security measures. The Queensaland Goverment is introducing new laws to curb escalting youth crime but many stakeholders have critisied the laws as inadequate.

John MacKenzie chats with Kevin Byrne, Executive Manager of Enterprise North and Former Mayor of Cairns, about the proposed Banned Drinking Register for Cairns. The Mayors of Cairns, Townsville, and Mount Isa penned a letter urging the State Government to introduce a Banned Drinkers Register, where a magistrate can issue an individual with a ban on alcohol sales. Mr. Byrne countered the Cairns Regional Council's idea by explaining that alcohol can still be easily accessed by problem individuals. "...get them off the streets into diversionary facilities..." Kevin Byrne said.

John MacKenzie chats with Kevin Goan, Detective Inspector for the Far North District Crime Group, to provide an update about Rajwinder Singh's court appearance following his successful extradition from India. Rajwinder Singh is being charged with the murder of Toyah Cordingley in 2018. Mr. Singh landed in Cairns yesterday after remaining a fugitive for four years. The Queensland State Government offered a record $1-million reward that led to his capture. Detective Inspector Goan has been at the forefront of this case and its developments.

John MacKenzie chats with Mark Perry, CEO of TARGA Australia, about the return of the Targa Great Barrier Reef event in September 2023. After the racing and all-round car-lovers event was cancelled in 2022 due to safety, TARGA will return this year with some changes following Motorsports Australia’s release of a safety report. 94 recommendations have been made in regard to cars, driving standards, courses and safety. TARGA GBR will be held 1st to 3rd September 2023.

John MacKenzie chats with David Crisafulli, State Leader of the Opposition and LNP Member for Broadwater, to hear his response to the Palaszczuk government's changes to youth crime legislation. Mr. Crisafulli is pushing for tougher and realistic penalties that address juvenile criminal activity and protect the rights of the victims, reiterating the fact that no one should be living in fear. David agreed that the "scales of justice need to be recalibrated in favour of the victims", a quote made by the Mareeba Shire Council in regards to crime.