Jack McKay
Jack McKay is a digital reporter for ABC Radio Brisbane. He has previously covered state politics and local government in Queensland.
Latest by Jack McKay
Century-old gramophone used by Queensland's first radio station returns to the ABC
A dedicated team of volunteers has helped restore an historic machine used to play music across the Brisbane airwaves in the 1920s to its former glory.
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Reported e-scooter injuries at Queensland hospitals double in two years
A state government department says too many e-scooter riders are risking their safety by breaking road rules, with fractures the most common injury among those presenting to emergency departments in Queensland.
Brisbane motorists issued $94,000 in parking fines every day
New figures reveal Brisbane City Council issued more than $34 million in parking tickets in 2023-24, but also withdrew about $1 million in penalties following objections from drivers.
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More than 1.5 million greater Brisbane residents without frequent public transport, Climate Council warns
The Climate Council says public transport should operate at least every 15 minutes between 7am and 7pm, and within 800 metres of every home in Australia's capital cities.
Brisbane's Lone Pine wildlife sanctuary ends koala-holding experience
Plenty of high-profile figures, including Queensland Premier Steven Miles, have been snapped cuddling the sanctuary's residents, but as of this week those days are over.
Queensland LNP promises to increase pokies cap for clubs with more than two premises
The state opposition will take the policy to the looming Queensland election, arguing an increase to the cap will throw a "lifeline" to smaller clubs facing closure.
Brisbane City Council warns of stranded bus passengers during 50c fares trial
The council claims more than 1 million passengers could be left behind at bus stops during the trial if there is 10 per cent increase in patronage but the figures have been disputed by Translink.
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One in five commuters turn to smart ticketing on Brisbane River ferries
Trials on buses are also still planned to commence "operator by operator" later this year, but state operator Translink won't say if it will begin on Brisbane City Council buses in 2024.
Magpie swooping is 'actually pretty rare' — and there are steps you can take (and avoid) to reduce the risk
Brisbane City Council has fielded almost 2,500 reports of swooping birds in the last three years. Numbers are down — but that doesn't necessarily mean it is happening less.
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Brisbane rates to rise by 3.8 per cent, but lord mayor says outcome could have been 'very different'
By Jack McKay
Under Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner's first budget since his LNP council won re-election in March, ratepayers face an above-inflation rate rise of 3.8 per cent next financial year.
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Queensland budget spend offers cost-of-living relief and red ink on the bottom line
By state political reporter Kate McKenna and Jack McKay
Queensland's treasurer has handed down a big-spending pre-election budget, offering up $3.7 billion in new cost-of-living relief – unapologetically plunging the state into deficit.
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Corporate job growth outstrips rise in frontline roles in Queensland public service
New data to be released today with Queensland's state budget reveals the state's public service has added about 11,700 full time equivalent employees in the past year, with corporate roles growing at a faster rate than frontline jobs.
Shorter speeches, less debate time in Brisbane council meeting rules shake up
The LNP administration says the move is about making the council more family friendly, but the opposition has hit out at the changes – saying they will stifle debate.
Analysis
analysis:Has Queensland LNP leader's small-target election strategy become a big distraction?
By state political reporter Kate McKenna and Jack McKay
Days out from the Queensland government's state budget, the opposition leader has pledged to honour funding commitments if he wins office.
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Historic Ernest Baynes stand to be closed for Ekka amid urgent repair works
The 1,800-seat stand has been a fixture at the Brisbane Showgrounds for more than a century and Ekka organisers say it needs "urgent attention".
Drivers put on notice as first roadworks speed camera begins issuing fines in Queensland
The camera has been installed near the westbound Bremer River Bridge on the Warrego Highway to enforce a 60kph limit while the bridge undergoes repair work.
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Queensland government to outlaw carbon capture and storage in Great Artesian Basin
Premier Steven Miles says his government will legislate to permanently ban carbon capture and storage activities within the expansive region.
Queensland authorities to continue action on fare evasion during 50c fare trial
Translink has confirmed it still plans to "combat" fare evasion on the state's network of buses, trains, and ferries in the midst of an upcoming trial of 50 cent fares.
Queensland authorities chasing millions in unpaid COVID-19 fines
More than $3 million in pandemic-related penalties remain unpaid well after most restrictions were lifted and the state's borders reopened.
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Roadside cameras to make $94 million less than Queensland government expectations
The state government had forecast its Camera Detected Offence Program would make more than half a billion dollars this financial year, but is set to fall well short.
Queensland government ad campaign costing taxpayers more than $2m
The government has not ruled out extending the campaign, which comes as Queenslanders prepare to vote later this year.
New rules make it harder for written-off vehicles to return to Queensland roads
The Queensland government proposes a shake-up to the state's written-off vehicle scheme, including a new inspection model that will make it more difficult for write-offs to return to the road.
Swimming Queensland writes letter to National Gallery to take down 'offensive' Gina Rinehart portrait
The organisation asks the National Gallery to take down portrait of Ms Rinehart, who donates tens of millions of dollars to the country's swimmers.
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Queensland calls on federal government to cut back overseas migration
Premier Steven Miles says the state's population is growing faster than homes can be built and that a reduction in international migrants could help to ease the pressure.
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Queensland halts expanded ban on single-use plastics as it awaits national strategy
The Queensland government had planned a potential ban of single-use plastic items from September 1 this year, including plastic cups, bread bag tags and produce bags, but that's now on hold.