2SM | During an Australia Day radio segment

HOST (Matthew Roberts):
I’ve got Warren on the line. Warren, happy Australia Day, mate.

WARREN:
And happy Australia Day to you, Matthew.

HOST (Matthew Roberts):
And thanks for your kind words off air as well. You’re too much, mate.

WARREN:
You’re more than welcome.

HOST (Matthew Roberts):
Now, my favourite Australians would be two people. First is Gina Rinehart — an extraordinarily successful Australian built on mining and coal, the industries that keep this country running. She stays very much in the background, unlike others who try to dictate to everyone.

HOST (Matthew Roberts):
Australia’s highest taxpayer.

WARREN:
Correct. Gina Rinehart pays her tax — she doesn’t hide it. She’s a true blue Australian who I admire greatly.

WARREN:
My other pick, sadly no longer with us, is Professor Richard Scolyer. He was Australian of the Year and did extraordinary work in melanoma and cancer research before passing from brain cancer. Those would be my joint picks.

HOST (Matthew Roberts):
We’re not just talking about an Australian here — Professor Scolyer was the world’s number one in melanoma research. Number one in the world. For a country of our size, that’s incredible.

HOST (Matthew Roberts):
He was passionate, kind, thoughtful — and imagine how many lives he saved. Melanoma used to be a death sentence fifteen years ago. Thanks to his work, that’s changed dramatically.

WARREN:
Absolutely. Living on the coast, we see how serious melanoma is in this country. His research advanced treatment enormously.

HOST (Matthew Roberts):
Speaking of cancer, Warren, Gina Rinehart also established Australia’s first breast cancer foundation. And she does a huge amount quietly — she doesn’t promote it.

HOST (Matthew Roberts):
She’s also done remarkable work supporting veterans transitioning from service into civilian careers.

WARREN:
That’s right. And she’s supported the Australian swimming team, the Royal Flying Doctor Service — a lot of it happens behind the scenes.

HOST (Matthew Roberts):
Two excellent choices, Warren. Thanks for sharing them on the show.

WARREN:
No worries — and happy Australia Day to everyone.

HOST (Matthew Roberts):
Thanks, mate. Let’s go to Andrew. You’ve got an Australian in mind.

ANDREW:
Yeah — Peter Brock. I know someone’s already mentioned him, but he was a legend.

HOST (Matthew Roberts):
Were you a fan of motorsport first, or Brock himself?

ANDREW:
Motorsport. My father was involved in the sport, so I grew up around it. When I was a kid, Brock was just a winner — someone you admired. I also heard about the work he did with young people. But another great Australian I want to mention is Paul Hogan.

HOST (Matthew Roberts):
Absolutely. People forget he co-hosted the Oscars nearly forty years ago — unheard of for an Australian at the time. Comedy shows, tourism campaigns, and then Crocodile Dundee — he backed himself financially when no one else would.

ANDREW:
Exactly. If it hadn’t worked, it would’ve ruined him. But he took the risk.

HOST (Matthew Roberts):
Ripper choices, Andrew. Thanks for calling in.

ANDREW:
Cheers, mate. Happy Australia Day.

HOST (Matthew Roberts):
You too — and happy Australia Day to everyone listening. I’ll be back after this.