Public spending per student has surged by 24%, yet Australian kids are now losing an entire year’s progress in core subjects like math. Michael breaks down where that money is really going and why taxpayers aren’t seeing results. “Are we simply not hungry enough for success and to do better?” he questioned. “Money matters as […]
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LATEST STORIES
Michael McLaren
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21 hours ago
‘I’m still hopeful’ – Shadow Defence Minister ramps up Defence sites fight
There’s been a disappointing development in the bid to keep historic defence sites in the hands of the Australian Defence Force. Shadow Defence Minister James Paterson has told Michael McLaren he’ll keep fighting. “I’m still hopeful that we can achieve the same here for Victoria Barracks, Sydney, and many other historic and significant sites around […]
Michael McLaren /
22/09/2026
‘National security and sovereignty’ – The pyrrhic victory that is China’s EV market
Michael McLaren has been left questioning whether the “eco-warriors” will look back in regret as the government rules out a return to the fuel excise in hopes that more Australians switch to EVs. He points out the government has relied on the cheap, China-made electric vehicles to realise its climate goals, despite a multitude of […]
Michael McLaren /
22/09/2026
‘$348 trillion’ – It’s time to get serious about debt
As global debt reaches $348 trillion, Michael McLaren has outlined why governments need to rein in spending. He has pointed out that while many Australians also want a cut in spending, they’re unwilling to go without. “Too many decisions are being made today that are paid for with the debt bondage of the people of […]
Michael McLaren /
21/09/2026
‘They’re embarrassed’ – Why Labor pivoted to gender and ignored immigration
Michael McLaren has noticed something interesting about the way Labor behaved in Question Time after Tony Burke unveiled his migration plan. “It’s as if the ALP didn’t want to own any of it. As if they were almost embarrassed by it,” he said. “[It’s} transparently all part of a plan to try and steer the […]
Michael McLaren /
18/09/2026
Michael McLaren says the downfall of Cue and Veronika Maine isn’t an isolated tragedy; it is a direct warning about Australia’s hostile business environment. Mounting compliance costs and government red tape are forcing local companies to the wall. Listen to more highlights from Afternoons below: Image: iStock
Michael McLaren
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17/09/2026
Claire Lyon reveals how advice from Julie Andrews shaped her My Fair Lady role
Stars Claire Lyon and Nathaniel Parker opened up about stepping into the iconic shoes of Eliza Doolittle and Professor Henry Higgins at the Sydney Opera House. Hear how direct advice from Dame Julie Andrews gave them the confidence to make these legendary roles their own and pull off the high-stakes production. Listen to more highlights […]
Michael McLaren
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16/09/2026
’85 years on’ – Why a documentary maker is after veteran stories
As Australia marks 85 years since the devastating WWII air raids on Darwin, director Richard Attiah is rallying Aussie families to share their incredible untold generation-spanning war stories for a new documentary and school curriculum. From a soldier fighting back in just a towel to secret battleground memories revealed decades later, discover how these personal […]
Michael McLaren
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15/09/2026
Why QLD banned pill testing while NSW made it permanent
As New South Wales makes pill testing permanent at music festivals, Queensland Health Minister Tim Nicholls joined Michael McLaren to explain why the Sunshine State introduced a complete ban on drug checking. Listen to more highlights from Afternoons below: Image: iStock
Michael McLaren
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09/09/2026
Afternoons with Michael McLaren – Friday, August 22nd
Listen to the full show podcast with Michael McLaren
Michael McLaren
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22/08/2025
Trent Nikolic from drive.com.au delves into biofuels as a green alternative and offers practical car buying advice on Afternoon Drive.
Michael McLaren
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17/06/2024
Finance expert Blake Wendt from Pretzel Finance joins Afternoons to discuss superannuation, insurance, and retirement strategies with just 12 days left until the end of the financial year.
Michael McLaren
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19/06/2024
Each Friday, Michael McLaren is joined by Domain’s Alice Stolz for ‘The Real Estate Show’, looking at Sydney’s hot property market and taking your questions. Fill in this 2GB Afternoons Property Valuation Form to send to our team! – (Your details will be stored with us so that we can take it to our Real […]
Michael McLaren
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20/03/2025
Must listen podcasts
Sometimes the very best comes AFTER the interview. Eskimo Joe frontman Kav Temperley told Deb all about what it was like working with fellow muso Ben Lee! You can subscribe to Kav’s podcast HatJam on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
Michael McLaren
/ 01:29