Today show presenter divides viewers after he suggests harsh punishment for ‘low life’ during interview with Queensland Premier

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When it comes to punishing thieves, one Today show star has some very unique ideas.

On Sunday, Michael Atkinson, the host of Weekend Today, interviewed Queensland Premier David Crisafulli about someone accused of damaging a crucial telecommunications cable shortly before a cyclone was predicted to impact the state’s far north.

‘I reckon it’s the lowest act any human could possibly do,’ the Premier said.

During an emergency, communication is critical. When someone damaged the cable by stealing copper, they endangered the lives of thousands of people in the northern suburbs of Townsville.

Michael strongly agreed with Premier Crisafulli’s opinion and suggested a strange punishment of his own.

Premier, I think you’d be justified in restraining them with zip ties to a palm tree on the coast when the cyclone hits.

One eagle-eyed viewer filmed the exchange and uploaded a clip to TikTok.

People are reacting strongly to a news presenter’s report about a theft in Townsville. Apparently, someone stole copper wiring, which caused a phone outage.

They also mentioned the co-host, Lara Vella’s, facial reaction while Michael was speaking.

Many viewers reacted favorably to Michael receiving a strong consequence, with positive comments appearing on the video.

One viewer really enjoyed the presenter, saying he’s fantastic and deserves his own show. They also praised the holiday presenters, finding them funny and entertaining.

Someone else agreed, saying it was the most typically Australian thing they’d heard all year.

One person perfectly captured what a lot of others were thinking, saying they loved the funny content and wished there was more of it. They also enthusiastically agreed that using zip ties was a great idea!

Not everyone reacted positively, though. Some criticized the Nine star, accusing mainstream media of encouraging violence and prompting people to take the law into their own hands.

@rossy4446

Australian news presenters be savage af 😆 #news #cyclone #australia #northqueensland #townsville

♬ original sound – April

Another added: ‘That presenter was playing out some kind of personal fantasy live on air.’ 

Police arrested two men and accused them of trying to steal copper following the recent bad weather.

Trent Bush and Bradley Edwards were arrested Sunday night in Deeragun, a Townsville suburb, after police say they were caught removing pit lids and cutting copper wire.

Both men were arrested and face charges including attempted theft and possession of burglary tools.

Crisafulli explained that the actions of those responsible caused Telstra, Optus, and NBN customers in Townsville to lose service right before a storm hit.

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2026-01-14 02:36