Q+A

Australians will be asked to vote in a referendum on a First Nations Voice to Parliament, later this year. Some are calling for more detail, while others say this is a diversionary tactic. So can we reach agreement as a nation on this crucial issue? How divisive will the debate be? And what impact will it have on Indigenous Australians?

The debate is coinciding with a wave of violence and crime engulfing Alice Springs, amid claims of children as young as five roaming the streets at night. The PM has travelled to the town after local Indigenous politicians made pleas for help – should the government step in? And what impact will the crisis have on the discussion about a constitutionally enshrined Voice to Parliament?

January 26 is a day that forces us to confront our national identity – where we've come from, where we're heading and what kind of country we want to be. With the new King's coronation approaching, does our future lie with the monarchy or as a republic? What impact will Prince Harry's explosive revelations have on the republican movement? Is it time to bid farewell to the royal soap opera?

Meanwhile as politicians prepare to return to Canberra, the government is likely facing other challenges. How will Anthony Albanese's team tackle the wicked problems facing Australians – including the cost-of-living crisis, increasing pressure on the health and aged care systems, and climate change?

Panellists: Craig Foster, Chair of the Australian Republican Movement; Malarndirri McCarthy, Assistant Minister for Indigenous Australians; Bridget McKenzie, Nationals Senate Leader; Lidia Thorpe, Greens Senator for Victoria; and Tom Calma, 2023 Senior Australian of the Year & Aboriginal Australian human rights and social justice campaigner.

Navigating the challenges facing Australia and emerging a stronger, fairer society. Parliament is back but can opposing sides find common ground on issues such as cost-of-living, the Voice, Alice Springs and asylum-seekers?

Panellists: Behrouz Boochani, Award-winning author and refugee advocate; Jacqui Munro, NSW Liberal Party Vice-President; Stephen Jones, Assistant Treasurer; Dan Tehan, Shadow Minister for Immigration and Citizenship; and Catherine Liddle, Chief Executive Officer at SNAICC - National Voice for our Children.

The Reserve Bank is showing no signs of ending its cycle of rate hikes just yet, despite pressure and upbeat talk from our politicians. But are the wrong people being penalised by the rises? Is this the best way to tackle inflation? Are we running headlong into a recession?

Meanwhile, tensions are rising between the US and China over the shooting down of a spy balloon. As warfare becomes ever more sophisticated – will artificial intelligence become the primary weapon in a country's arsenal? The AUKUS agreement includes a focus on AI, but what does this mean for Australia?

Also how much do you know about ChatGPT - the AI chatbot that can have human-like conversations, answer questions and help write essays or code. Some schools have banned the technology while others are embracing it. But with Google and Microsoft setting up their own versions, how realistic is a ban? How can we unlock its potential while managing the dangers?

All this plus the news of the week.

Joining Stan Grant on the panel:
Jon Sopel, British journalist and host of daily podcast The News Agents 
Anne Aly, Minister for Early Childhood Education and Minister for Youth
Keith Wolahan, Liberal Member for Menzies
Dorinda Cox, Greens Senator for WA
Toby Walsh, Chief Scientist, AI Institute, UNSW

Tonight on Q+A, the digital dilemma … with more of us living, working and socialising online, how can the internet become a safer space for all? Is regulation the answer – or is it up to the tech companies to change the culture?

Tennis champion Jelena Dokic has been candid about the abuse she's copped in the virtual world – and its real-life consequences, while Australia's new gender equality ambassador has even been mocked online by Donald Trump Jr. How can governments tackle this? Is it realistic to simply tell victims to get off socials when their livelihoods can depend on it?

And how young is too young for social media? Tik Tok and Instagram insist you have to be 13 to have an account – but can parents really know what their children are up to online? Politicians around the world are playing catch-up on controlling the social media giants. Will we ever get ahead or are we stuck with low-tech solutions to high-tech challenges?

Meanwhile, as our representatives wrap up a busy fortnight in Canberra, we'll dissect the first sitting week of the year. The Reserve Bank Governor has faced a grilling in the Senate, but says we're not done with rate hikes yet. The PM is attempting to walk a fine line over faith-based schools choosing the staff they want, but could the religious freedom issue prove a problem for Labor?

And Olympian Peter Bol's provisional ban has been lifted – but what damage will the doping allegations do to his Paris preparation? How do athletes bounce back from these kinds of accusations?

Joining Stan Grant on the panel:

Jelena Dokic, Tennis champion and broadcaster
Narelda Jacobs, Presenter, 10 News First Midday and Studio 10
Michelle Rowland, Minister for Communications
David Coleman, Shadow Communications Minister
Imogen Senior, Plan International Youth Advocate

Tonight on Q+A… one year on from the invasion that shook the world. Russia's offensive in Ukraine has transformed the global landscape – economically, strategically and politically – so what happens next? The US President's visit to Kyiv has sent a signal to Vladimir Putin, but just how far will the international community go to support Ukraine's fight?
 
As economic woes continue to put pressure on households at home and abroad, how much appetite is there for countries to spend more on a war that is so far away? And with no end to the conflict in sight, how long can Ukraine count on its international allies?

In the US, politicians are already positioning themselves for the 2024 White House race. Will Donald Trump again prevail as Republican candidate? Or is the party moving on? Joe Biden seems likely to run again, but how much damage will a struggling economy inflict on his presidency? 
 
And here at home, the government is facing pressure over energy, cost of living – and proposed changes to superannuation that will have huge tax implications for all Australians. How will Labor tackle these problems? How much is actually within their control?
 
Joining Stan Grant on the panel:
 
Vasyl Myroshnychenko, Ambassador of Ukraine to Australia
Sarah McBride, US State Senator
Pat Conroy, Minister for International Development and the Pacific
George Brandis, Professor at the National Security College, ANU
Sharan Burrow, Former General Secretary of the International Trade Union Confederation

As a censorship debate rages over cuts and rewrites to apparently make Roald Dahl's children's books more palatable to today's readers, the publisher now says it will produce two versions of his novels – with and without the changes. As social mores and views change, what does that mean for literature of the past? Are some books simply too offensive for a modern audience?

Literature can help us make sense of the world – but what happens to those readers who don't see themselves reflected in stories? Or see themselves as little more than a stereotype? Is there a way to celebrate differences without defining people by them?

Meanwhile, the approaching referendum on a Voice to Parliament is forcing Australians to decide who gets to have a say in our future. And within the "yes" and "no" camps there are differing views – which one will prevail? Does a binary question allow for enough nuance in the discussion?

And the PM is being accused of breaking faith with voters as Labor confirms its plan to wind back tax concessions on multi-million-dollar superannuation balances. So should politicians be allowed to change their views? Does being locked into a promise stymie policy?

Joining Stan Grant on the panel:

David Hare, British playwright
Teela Reid, Wiradjuri and Wailwan lawyer
Pragya Agarwal, Author and behavioural scientist
Matt Thistlethwaite, Assistant Minister for the Republic
Andrew Bragg, Liberal Senator for NSW

This week on Q+A … legendary musician Billy Bragg joins the panel and performs a song from his latest album. From folk music to fighting the power, Bragg is well known for combining his music with politics. A champion of the British underclasses – he lived through punk, protested Thatcherism and put himself on the frontline of the miners' strike. So, what does he make of the challenges facing struggling households today?

The Reserve Bank has delivered its tenth consecutive interest rate rise this week, pushing the cash rate to its highest level since May 2012. With inflation still running high, many Australians are facing mortgage stress – the Reserve Bank says it's considering a rate pause but many households are feeling the pain now. Are our political leaders doing enough to address the widening gap between the wealthy and working class?

And we explore whether Australia needs a Human Rights Act? It's a question the federal government is considering, so what should be included? Will some parts of society benefit more than others?

All this plus news of the week – and a special live performance from Billy.

Joining Stan Grant on the panel:

Billy Bragg, Singer-songwriter and activist
Josh Burns, Labor Member for Macnamara
Perin Davey, Deputy Leader of the Nationals
Antoinette Lattouf, Journalist and author
Gigi Foster, Economist, UNSW.

Tonight on Q+A… unpacking the secrets of life, the universe and everything as world-renowned physicist Brian Greene joins the panel. Australia has committed the next three decades and $368 billion to AUKUS, linking the nation's future inextricably to the US. But while 30 years is several lifetimes in politics, it's a mere blip in the bigger picture of the universe. So how wise is this investment? What sort of innovations will outpace the subs deal? Are submarines simply yesterday's technology?

Greene says that "future of our species relies upon the depth and nuance of our engagement with the world" … is this pact making Australia's world smaller or bigger? Is there a better way to equip the next generation for the difficult times ahead than just throwing money at the defence budget?

Meanwhile, parliament returns for another sitting week – some tough budget decisions will have to be made. What programs could be cut to help fund the subs deal? And in NSW, voters are preparing to cast their ballot in the state election… how will Dominic Perrottet's national push for cashless poker machines play out?

Joining Stan Grant on the panel:

Brian Greene, Physicist and best-selling author
Geoffrey Robertson, Human Rights lawyer, academic, author and broadcaster
Matt Keogh, Minister for Defence Personnel
Dai Le, Independent MP for Fowler
Kirsten Banks, Science communicator

Tonight on Q+A…Indigenous leaders joined an emotional Anthony Albanese to reveal the wording of the Voice referendum question which will be put to the nation. The Prime Minister has appealed to Australians to support the vote, asking: "If not now, when?"
 
The agreed wording of the question follows intense negotiations and reads: "A Proposed Law: to alter the Constitution to recognise the First Peoples of Australia by establishing an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice. Do you approve this proposed alteration."
 
The announcement comes ahead of South Australia's special sitting of Parliament on Sunday to pass its own First Nations Voice Bill – the first such legislation in the country. The PM is seeking to head off dissent by clearly setting out that the Voice will have no power of veto – but will that be enough to satisfy those opposed to it? And what does the question mean for First Nations sovereignty?
 
Meanwhile, as the fanfare of the announcement subsides, the reality of Australia's submarine deal is sinking in. Critics from within Labor's ranks are voicing their concerns about the deal that some say could end up costing far more than the projected $368 billion. Just what price are we paying for security?
 
South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas is celebrating a year in office – he's the only opposition leader who's managed to unseat a Premier during the pandemic. Will NSW follow suit and have a new leader after the weekend's state election?
 
Joining Stan Grant on the panel live in Sydney for all this plus news of the week:
 
Malarndirri McCarthy, Assistant Minister for Indigenous Australians and Indigenous Health
Peter Malinauskas, South Australian Premier
Jacinta Price, Country Liberal Party Senator for the NT
Jordon Steele-John, Greens spokesperson on Health, Foreign Affairs, Peace, Nuclear Disarmament and Disability Rights and Services
Richard Spencer, Former Secretary of the US Navy

This week on Q+A… after a bruising week for the Liberal Party with election defeat in NSW and Victoria's battle over rogue member Moira Deeming – what does the weekend Aston by election result mean for both sides?

Labor is hoping to pass more legislation through parliament this week – after finally securing a deal on its climate bill. But the government's key housing bill is looking shaky, as the Greens stand their ground over more help for renters.

Easing inflation figures indicate that interest rates are starting to bite – so will the RBA put the brakes on more hikes at its Tuesday meeting?

Overseas, Donald Trump has become the first US former president to face criminal charges, following a long-running investigation focused on hush-money payments to adult film star Stormy Daniels. What could this mean for his 2024 campaign?

And data security is again in focus, as Latitude Financial faces legal action over a recent breach that saw current and former customers' data stolen – including driver's licence numbers from millions in Australia and New Zealand. Just what will the government have to do to protect citizens' data?

Joining Stan Grant on the panel live in Melbourne for all this plus news of the week:

Amanda Rishworth, Minister for Social Services
Greg Mirabella, Victorian Liberal Party President
Deni Todorovič, Activist & podcast host
Osman Faruqi, Culture News Editor for The Age and Sydney Morning Herald
Sara James, Journalist and author 

This week on Q+A… Australian politics is changing – and a new generation is making its mark.

Recent election results at a state and federal level show that nothing can be taken for granted, so what do some of the nation's young powerbrokers make of what's happened? And how do they want to use their voices to make change?

As the referendum grows nearer, the Liberal Party has confirmed it will campaign against the Voice to Parliament – with backbenchers allowed a conscience vote on the issue. Peter Dutton says the party supports Constitutional recognition for Indigenous Australians – but without support for the Voice, will the Liberals find themselves on the wrong side of history?

Across the country, political convictions seem increasingly to be guided by personal ethics – so where does the role of religion fit? Does faith fit with politics, or should they be separate?

And finally some relief for mortgage holders before the Easter break, with the Reserve Bank keeping rates on hold for the first time in a year. But is this just a temporary reprieve? And will it have any meaningful impact on those struggling to pay the bills?

Joining Stan Grant on the panel live in Sydney for all this plus news of the week:

Andrew Neil, British journalist and broadcaster
Anne Pattel-Gray, Head of School of Indigenous Studies, University of Divinity
Kanishka Raffel, Anglican Archbishop of Sydney
Fatima Payman, Labor Senator for WA
Zara Seidler, Co-founder of The Daily Aus

This week Q+A hits the road, broadcasting live from Mildura in north-western Victoria. The Murray River city is a long way from Canberra – are politicians prioritising the issues that really matter to those living in the regions?

Health services in Mildura and surrounding areas are stretched to the limit, with more GPs desperately needed and a hospital system at breaking point. But what do towns need right now to help ease the squeeze on resources? And what's the plan for attracting more essential workers to regional centres across Australia?

And where will people choosing to settle in Mildura live? The region is in the grips of a rental crisis, with prices soaring and renters left scrambling to try and secure the few properties available. The cost of living is also biting – as food and fuel eat up more and more of the weekly budget. How are decision-makers tackling these issues?

The community is still recovering from devastating floods just months ago, while recent fish kills signal that all is not right in the river system. In a changing climate, who is looking after the regions?

And as politicians argue over what a Voice to Parliament will mean for regional and remote Indigenous communities – what do First Nations people on the ground actually think of the proposal? Will it make any difference to their lives? Or has trust in politics degraded so badly that the Voice cannot bridge the chasm between talk and action?

All this plus a special live performance from iconic Australian singer John Williamson.

Joining Stan Grant on the panel live in Mildura:

John Williamson, Iconic singer-songwriter
Emma McBride, Assistant Minister for Rural and Regional Health
Michael McCormack, Nationals member for Riverina
Bob Katter, Independent member for Kennedy
Darlene Thomas, CEO of Mallee District Aboriginal Services

This week on Q+A… on the eve of Anzac Day, as the nation pauses to reflect on the sacrifice of generations past and present – has the true cost of war been forgotten?
 
The AUKUS pact is forcing Australians to confront the possibility of conflict, but what does the mythology and veneration of the Anzac spirit mean for how we as a nation imagine war? Are we too flippant about it? Veterans know the price that has to be paid – but are we listening? And what obligation do we have to future generations to avert war? 
 
More turmoil for the Coalition, with a resignation and a front-bench reshuffle. Former Home Affairs Minister Karen Andrews has quit the shadow cabinet, while other changes include high-profile "no" campaigner NT Senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price becoming Shadow Minister for Indigenous Australians. Will the changes be enough to keep party unity? Or will Peter Dutton's leadership come under more pressure?
 
Meanwhile, Australia's fractured relationship with China has taken a step forward, with tensions easing over the bitter trade dispute about barley – with winemakers now hopeful their trade barriers may be the next to fall.
 
But there is still scepticism about China's motives – especially in cyberspace, with TikTok banned from government devices amid data security fears. Will the next battleground be virtual with cyber warfare a bigger threat than physical conflict? 

Joining Stan Grant on the panel live in Sydney:
 
Tim Ayres, Assistant Minister for Trade & Manufacturing
Paul Fletcher, Manager of Opposition Business
Taylah Gray, Proud Wiradjuri woman and lawyer
James Brown, Army veteran & CEO of the Space Industry Association 
Sophie Howe, Inaugural Future Generations Commissioner for Wales

This week on Q+A… a health system at breaking point. Are we becoming a country of haves and have-nots, with top medical care only available to those who can afford it? Is seeing a GP becoming a luxury? And as Australia ages, can Medicare keep up?

Meanwhile… what does Scarlett O'Hara have to do with Donald Trump? And what's the link between Gone with the Wind and the rioters who stormed the US Capitol on January 6?

Literature and culture expert Sarah Churchwell joins the panel to explain her take on one of America's best-known novels – arguing that its denialism of the horrors of slavery and trumpeting of white nationalism are inextricably linked with Trumpism and the issues that continue to divide the US today.

Australia is also a nation becoming more polarised – along political, social and cultural lines. So what can we learn from the American experience?

And as the coronation of a new king approaches – what does the monarchy mean in modern Australia?

Joining guest host David Speers on the panel live from Melbourne:

Mark Butler, Minister for Health and Aged Care
Bridget Archer, Liberal member for Bass
Anthony Dillon, Researcher and Aboriginal affairs commentator
Sarah Churchwell, American literature and culture expert
Mukesh Haikerwal, GP, Deputy Chair Australian GP ALLIANCE and formerly President of the AMA & Chair of the AIHW and World Medical Association.

This week on Q+A… 30 years after Irvine Welsh's incendiary debut, Trainspotting, electrified the literary world and announced him as the voice of a generation – what has changed for those living on life's fringes?

Back then, we were living in the American century – which has unravelled over the past three decades. Was Welsh's vision not dystopian enough? And have the poorest paid the biggest price in a world that is ever more divided?

As the federal budget looms, with households hurting and no end in sight to the cost-of-living crisis, how much help will the government deliver to those who are most in need?

It appears a universal JobSeeker boost is off the table, but we're being assured there will be some relief for struggling Australians. Will it be enough to make a difference to their lives?

Meanwhile, a new King is being crowned – so will Charles' ascension inspire a renewed republican fervour? Or will the coronation draw people further towards the monarchy?

Joining Stan Grant on the panel live from Sydney:
Irvine Welsh, Playwright, and author
Nova Peris, Republican, Olympian and former politician
Andrew Leigh, Assistant Minister for Competition, Charities and Treasury.
Jacqui Lambie, Independent Senator for Tasmania
Caroline Di Russo, Lawyer and President of the WA Liberal Party

This week on Q+A… Treasurer Jim Chalmers will answer your questions in a one-on-one special with Stan Grant. After a year in government, Labor has handed down its second Budget – but is there enough help for the millions of Australians struggling to make ends meet?

The Treasurer is spruiking a $4 billion surplus – the first in 15 years – but there is more pain to come. High inflation will linger for at least another year. And in the scheme of the overall budget, the much-hyped surplus is a drop in the ocean. Is it more about the politics than the economics?

Among the cost-of-living measures – more rent assistance, energy bill relief, a boost to bulk-billing and cheaper prescriptions. The single parent payment cutoff is being lifted from eight to 14 and there's a modest boost to JobSeeker, Austudy and Youth Allowance – but the extra money won't flow until September. And with the stage three tax cuts still in the mix, how much difference will the changes make?

The Opposition is accusing Labor of making life harder for working people, saying plans for an additional 1.5 million migrants over the next five years will put pressure on housing, transport and wages. Do Australians share these concerns?

And how does this budget align with Labor's claim to be good economic managers? Is it simply postponing some difficult decisions that must be made as the global economy continues to falter?

This week on Q+A… the Class of 22. One year on from the election that changed Australia's political landscape, five first-term parliamentarians join the panel. So just how different is the reality of a political career to what they imagined?

With an economy under pressure amid fears of a global recession, a worsening housing crisis and the approaching winter putting more strain on energy supplies – how much impact can one politician have on the problems Australians are facing?

The Senate is proving pivotal to the government's legislative agenda, and independents Tammy Tyrrell and David Pocock have been making their presence felt. From securing commitments on social housing to putting more scrutiny on economic inclusion, these first-time senators are fighting for the issues they're passionate about.

In the lower house, Max Chandler-Mather was swept in on Brisbane's Green wave. A renter throughout his adult life, he has made housing his priority, but is his party's refusal to pass the housing future fund bill helping or hurting the very people living through housing stress?

Labor's Michelle Ananda-Rajah – who turned one of Melbourne's premier blue-ribbon seats red – hasn't been shy about putting her views forward, including calling for an increase in JobSeeker. And Zoe McKenzie held off a Teal challenge in her Liberal Victorian seat – so what does she make of the Coaliton's post-election woes?

What does the Class of 22 make of being inside the "Canberra bubble"?

Q+A is live from Melbourne Tonight, Monday May 22 at 9.35pm AEST.

Joining Stan Grant (for the final time) on the panel live from Melbourne:

Michelle Ananda-Rajah, Labor member for Higgins
Zoe McKenzie, Liberal member for Flinders
David Pocock, Independent Senator for the ACT
Tammy Tyrrell, Independent Senator for Tasmania, Jacqui Lambie Network
Max Chandler-Mather, Greens member for Griffith

This week on Q+A… writing the wrongs of history as literary giant Shehan Karunatilaka joins the panel. This author's most recent work tackles civil war and its impacts in Sri Lanka, so what can this conflict teach us about geopolitics today and the polarisation that is plaguing contemporary societies?

Closer to home, supporters of Julian Assange had been hoping to appeal directly to the US President to stop his country's pursuit of the jailed Wikileaks founder, but those hopes were dashed as Joe Biden's visit was cancelled. Assange's family says his life is in the hands of the Australian government now. What more could politicians do to secure his release?

But while one state visit was cancelled, another was just beginning, with India's Prime Minister here for talks with Anthony Albanese. Narendra Modi is a divisive figure at home and abroad – will Australia tackle the tough issues with him as he faces claims of human rights violations against minority groups in India?

And as signs point towards a rapprochement with China, Australia still has a precarious path to follow – keeping the trade relationship on track while staying strong on defence. So just how difficult a balance is that to strike?

Joining Patricia Karvelas on the panel live in Sydney:

Jen Robinson, International human rights lawyer 
Shehan Karunatilaka, Booker Prize-winning author
James Blackwell, Research Fellow in Indigenous Diplomacy, Australian National University
Tim Watts, Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs
Kevin Hogan, Shadow Minister for Trade & Tourism

This week Q+A hits the road, broadcasting live from Newcastle. The Hunter Valley community is NSW's second largest city and is at a pivotal moment in its history – transforming from a fossil fuel hub to a clean energy superpower. How do people who've built lives, families and careers around the coal industry feel about this brave new world? And are our leaders up to the challenge?

The housing crisis being felt around Australia is particularly acute in the Hunter, now home to five of the 10 local government areas in NSW with the highest housing need. As residents struggle to find safe and affordable accommodation, what more can be done right now to help the most vulnerable? The head of the Reserve Bank says we need more people living in each house – but is that really a solution? And with another rate rise looming, how can households absorb another hit to the budget?

Health and aged care services are also under pressure, and the national GP shortage hasn't bypassed the city. As politicians debate the best way to encourage more doctors to regional areas and fill crucial nursing roles in aged care, is there too much talk and not enough action?

And Newcastle is a city synonymous with sport. Former NRL star Alex McKinnon knows all too well the risks of playing at the highest level – now with concussion and its long-term effects in the spotlight, what will policymakers do to keep players safe and fans happy?

Joining David Speers on the panel live in Newcastle:

Alex McKinnon, Former Newcastle Knights player
Anika Wells, Minister for Aged Care & Sport
Ted O'Brien, Shadow Minister for Climate Change & Energy
Nuatali Nelmes, Lord Mayor of Newcastle
Nathan Towney, University of Newcastle Pro-Vice Chancellor, Indigenous Strategy & Leadership

This week on Q+A, more pain for households after the Reserve Bank delivered a 12th rate hike in just over a year – taking interest rates to their highest level in 11 years. The bank's governor admits many families will suffer a "painful squeeze", but insists inflation has to be tamed. Just how much more can households bear? And is the cure worse than the disease?

Much of the blame for stubbornly high inflation is being slated home to the lowest-paid workers, after the Fair Work Commission announced an increase in the minimum wage from next month. But according to the OECD, the main culprit is corporate super-profits. Are the most vulnerable paying the price for an unfair system?

Meanwhile, the fallout from the incendiary judgement against Australia's most decorated living soldier Ben Roberts-Smith continues. Should the VC recipient – labelled in court as a liar, murderer and bully – be ordered to hand back his honour? What do his actions in the field mean for diggers at home and serving overseas? Is this case damaging the reputation of our elite soldiers?

And parliament returns for another sitting fortnight as the government's "same job, same pay" workplace law changes are emerging as 2023's big industrial relations brawl. The new laws – designed to ensure labour hire workers are paid the same as employees doing the same job – are being debated as the future housing fund bill nears agreement. Is Labor facing a rough ride for the rest of the year?

Joining Patricia Karvelas on the panel live in Sydney:
 
Sally McManus, ACTU Secretary 
Stephen Jones, Assistant Treasurer and Minister for Financial Services
Keith Wolahan, Liberal member for Menzies 
Thenu Herath, Human Rights Advocate 
Michael Ware, Sky News US contributor

This week on Q+A… a grubby week in politics as parliament's toxic environment is again in the spotlight. Amid fresh abuse claims, a party room banishment and relentless questions in the senate about transparency and whether a minister misled parliament – it seems the much-vaunted culture change in Canberra is little but a distant memory. Is this just the new political normal?

Meanwhile… the NDIS, 10 years on. The revolutionary scheme changed the lives of millions of Australians living with disability – but a decade later, how well is it working for those who need it most? Amid criticisms of cost blowouts and dodgy providers, what will it take to make the program sustainable for the long term – and ensure it provides the critical support participants rely on?

The government insists it can find $74 billion in savings from the NDIS over the next 10 years while "improving the participant experience", but with a major review of the scheme not due to hand down its findings until October – is Labor acting too hastily?

And just what is the issue with drag storytime? Councils are being forced to shut down the reading events at libraries amid fears they'll be targeted by far-right activists. Drag artist Reuben Kaye – who faced a public backlash over a controversial joke earlier this year – says the increasingly vitriolic debate is a distraction, but a negative one that has real-life impacts. So where to from here?

Joining Patricia Karvelas on the panel live in Melbourne:

Bill Shorten, Minister for NDIS and Government Services
Bridget McKenzie, Nationals Senate Leader
Reuben Kaye, Comedian, singer and writer 
Monique Ryan, Independent member for Kooyong
Sam Connor, Disability Rights Advocate

As the cost-of-living crisis bites, cash-strapped Australians are bracing for yet another interest rate hike after stronger-than-expected job figures. It comes as the government names its new Reserve Bank chief… Michele Bullock has some difficult waters to navigate – so how will she tackle Australia's economic woes?

The UK's Minister for Armed Forces is in Australia and joins the panel. AUKUS has been in the spotlight here, but with the Conservative government in Britain under pressure over high inflation, immigration and its merry-go-round of leaders, is it further down the UK's list of priorities?

Meanwhile, the Yes and No camps have laid out their arguments over the Voice to Parliament referendum, but with the nation seemingly divided over the issue, how can we possibly have the respectful debate that many are calling for?

And is it game over for big sporting events? Victoria's bombshell decision to dump the 2026 Commonwealth Games has drawn both scorn and praise, with Premier Dan Andrews saying it's now out of his state's price range. Amid claims that this will damage Victoria's reputation internationally, in the midst of a slowing economy just how much should taxpayers be expected to pay for elite sport competitions?

Joining Patricia Karvelas in Melbourne for all this plus news of the week:

James Heappey, UK Minister for Armed Forces
Rachel Perkins, Filmmaker
Pat Gorman, Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister & Assistant Minister for the Public Service
Barnaby Joyce, Nationals member for New England
Kate Chaney, Independent member for Curtin

This week on Q+A… housing stoush… the PM has raised the stakes in his battle with the Greens over the stalled $10 billion Housing Australia Future Fund, with the bill set to be reintroduced to parliament when it returns after the winter break. Anthony Albanese says it's "absurd" that the Greens are blocking the legislation – but will they step back from their demands and pass the contentious bill?

The fresh battle comes as millions of Australians wait nervously for the Reserve Bank's interest rate decision, with economists split on whether we're in for another rise. Inflation has come in lower than expected, but will that mean a reprieve for households struggling to cope?

The Treasurer is forecasting a record surplus of $20 billion … so will this lead to any more cost-of-living relief? The Coalition and the Greens have very different opinions on how the government should spend the windfall. Where do you think the money should go?

Meanwhile, the news isn't getting better for renters competing to put a roof over their heads. With rental price rises at their highest level for more than a decade, a new study reveals that many younger Australians will be forever locked out of home ownership. How do we solve the housing crisis?
And as the fallout from the devastating tax leaks scandal continues, will PwC's disgrace lead to any real change? Or will one of the other big four consulting firms take advantage of its rival's downfall?

Joining Patricia Karvelas on the panel live in Melbourne:

Luke McGregor, Writer, actor & comedian
Katy Gallagher, Minister for Finance & Minister for Women
Dean Smith, Liberal Senator for WA
Barbara Pocock, Greens Senator for SA
Jahin Tanvir, CEO, Australian School of Entrepreneurship

This week Q+A is heading to North-East Arnhem Land for a special episode from the Garma Festival, Australia's largest Indigenous cultural gathering. Australia is at a pivotal moment in its history, as the nation decides together whether Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people will be recognised within the Constitution and heard through a Voice to Parliament.

The festival's theme this year is "djambatj", meaning a perfect moment in time when the balance of the world is in order. It's a vision that organisers say was embodied by Garma's former chairman Yunupingu, who will be honoured and remembered at this year's event.

After a bruising week in parliament and with polls showing that the referendum is facing a challenge to succeed, the PM is facing a battle ahead as polling day approaches. Festival chair Djawa Yunupingu says now is a moment in time that offers the promise of a new world. "One way or another, the nation will change," he says. What will Australia look like after the crucial vote?

Presented by guest host Dan Bourchier, Q+A will speak to Indigenous leaders and discuss issues facing their community and will feature a music performance by King Stingray.

Joining Dan Bourchier at Garma:

Malarndirri McCarthy, Assistant Minister for Indigenous Australians & Indigenous Health
Marcia Langton, Professor of Australian Indigenous Studies
Merrki Ganambarr-Stubbs, Yolŋu Elder and Co-principal of Yirrkala Community School
Ben Abbatangelo, Gunaikurnai and Wotjobaluk journalist & writer
Taylah Gray, Proud Wiradjuri woman and lawyer

This week on Q+A… we head to infinity and beyond with some of our brightest minds. What will the future look like? How will artificial intelligence change the world as we know it? And are there other forms of life beyond our solar system?

As the world becomes ever more complex – how can innovation help us find solutions to some of the wicked problems we face? Has there been an erosion of trust in science since the pandemic? Are we preparing the next generation of scientists for the environment and dilemmas they are inheriting?

Deadly wildfires have ripped through the Hawaiian island of Maui, fuelled by a dry summer and strong winds from a passing hurricane. In what's been dubbed the "era of global boiling", is this our devastating new normal? What can scientists do to protect future generations?

In National Science Week, our panel will also explore issues of equality and gender and whether science is sexist, why space exploration matters and how we get more young people – particularly from regional and remote communities – engaged in STEM.

Joining Patricia Karvelas on the panel live in Sydney:

Angela Saini, Award-winning Science Journalist & Author 
Cathy Foley, Australia's Chief Scientist 
Mark Scott, Vice-Chancellor, University of Sydney 
Meganne Christian, European Space Agency Reserve Astronaut 
Adam Spencer, Maths geek, Bestselling Author & Comedian

This week on Q+A… art meets politics, with a special live performance from iconic singer-songwriter Tina Arena to close the show.

For many creatives, the personal is very much political… how do artists use their platforms to make change? And what more could the government do to ensure gig workers are supported?

Job insecurity is a reality for many Australians, so do the proposed industrial relations reforms go far enough? What will it mean for regional businesses who rely on seasonal workers?

The Prime Minister is spruiking Labor's economic credentials at the party's national conference, but could a possible recession put a dent in his hopes for a second term

Meanwhile, there's no solution in sight to the housing stalemate. What will Labor do to get its legislation over the line?

Joining Patricia Karvelas on the panel:

Tony Burke, Minister for the Arts, Employment & Workplace Relations
Sam Birrell, Nationals Member for Nicholls
Zoe Daniel, Independent Member for Goldstein
Hannah Diviney, Author, Disability Advocate and Actress
George Gittoes, Artist and Filmmaker

This week on Q+A… Jana Pittman joins the panel. A doctor, author and athlete who's competed at both the Winter and Summer Olympic Games, Jana's focus is now squarely on women's health and stopping the stigma.

It comes as the latest snapshot of Australia shows the cost of health and aged care will soar over the next 40 years. We are facing some big challenges, including four decades of a budget in the red – but the government has ruled out sweeping tax reform.

So where should we be spending and who is going to pay for it?

And cost-of-living pressures continue to be a thorn in the government's side. First-term MPs Gordon Reid and Aaron Violi are from different sides of politics and different parts of the country, yet have an unlikely friendship. What are their constituents calling for most urgently?

Joining Patricia Karvelas on the panel live in Sydney:

Jana Pittman, Olympian, Doctor & Author 
Danielle Wood, CEO of the Grattan Institute 
Gordon Reid, Labor Member for Robertson
Aaron Violi, Liberal Member for Casey 
Jessie Stephens, Author & Editor at Mamamia

This week on Q+A… voting on the Voice. The Prime Minister has finally named the date for the referendum on an Indigenous Voice to Parliament – the first bid to change the Constitution in more than two decades.

As October 14 approaches, each side is ramping up its campaign and appealing to people's emotions. Can Australians unpack the rhetoric to make an informed decision? Whose argument is cutting through? And which generation is likely to swing the vote?

Meanwhile, parliament returns for another sitting week. Industrial relations reform is on the agenda as Labor looks to close "loopholes" in the system. But what will the new laws mean for small business?

And the pressure on Qantas keeps growing with the consumer watchdog launching legal action over "ghost flights". How much longer will the flying kangaroo be a protected species?

Joining Patricia Karvelas on the panel live in Melbourne:

Ged Kearney, Assistant Minister for Health & Aged Care 
Andrew McKellar, CEO, Australian Chamber of Commerce & Industry 
Vanessa Turnbull-Roberts, Lawyer & Human Rights Advocate 
Darcy McGauley-Bartlett, 2023 Victorian Young Australian of the Year
Freya Leach, Director of Youth Policy, Menzies Research Centre

This week on Q+A… beleaguered Qantas chief Alan Joyce's abrupt departure hasn't halted the turbulence for the flying kangaroo, with the airline's board facing increased pressure over Joyce's tarnished legacy and growing calls to return JobKeeper funds. Can new CEO Vanessa Hudson turn the airline's fortunes around?

Meanwhile, the PM's been stuck with the baggage of the storm and is facing a Senate inquiry over his government's Qatar decision. Anthony Albanese has jetted out for a series of international talks and confirmed he'll visit China in the coming months, the first PM in seven years to make an official visit to the country after accepting President Xi's invitation.

Here at home, outgoing Reserve Bank boss Philip Lowe has given borrowers an interest rate reprieve, but warns that there may be more hikes ahead to curb inflation. How will new RBA chief Michele Bullock approach the challenges ahead?

And as Australia prepares for a long, hot summer – how ready are we for what lies ahead?

Joining Patricia Karvelas on the panel live in Sydney:

Murray Watt, Minister for Agriculture & Emergency Management
Kevin Hogan, Shadow Minister for Trade & Tourism
Kylea Tink, Independent Member for North Sydney
Barry O'Farrell, Former High Commissioner to India
Yasmin Poole, Writer & Youth Advocate

This week on Q+A… tackling Australia's energy crisis. The nation's biggest cities are at risk of rolling blackouts this summer, and the regulator is warning of a bleak decade of power outages to come. As temperatures rise and coal power plants close – how will our leaders ensure we can keep the lights on?

The return of El Niño is set to bring hotter days and lower winds, putting more pressure on an already strained system as people try to keep cool. Delays and cost blowouts for projects like Snowy Hydro 2.0 – along with a slowdown in clean energy investment approvals – have heightened concerns about the transition to renewables. Do we need to look at more radical solutions?

Meanwhile, the turbulence for Qantas continues after the High Court found it illegally sacked 1,700 workers at the height of the pandemic. With a Senate inquiry set to begin – will the government be forced to come clean about the controversial Qatar Airways decision?

And Labor has finally got its headline housing bill over the line – but questions remain about when and where the new homes will be built. How soon will the work begin

Joining David Speers on the panel live in Sydney:

Chris Bowen, Minister for Climate Change & Energy
Ted O'Brien, Shadow Minister for Climate Change & Energy
Allegra Spender, Independent Member for Wentworth
Nicki Hutley, Independent Economist
Will Shackel, Founder of Nuclear for Australia

This week on Q+A… power and influence – who has it, who wields it and how it's used to make change. As Rupert Murdoch announces he's stepping down as chair of Fox and News Corp, handing the reins to son Lachlan – we'll look at the media mogul's impact over a seven-decade career. The Australian-born billionaire is often credited with making and breaking governments – so where next for his empire?

Meanwhile, the federal government is set to hold an inquiry into the COVID-19 response, but the PM is already under fire for excluding state and territory decisions from the investigation. Australians saw the extraordinary power exercised by the states during the pandemic – but without examining lockdowns and border closures, will the inquiry go far enough?

And as referendum day on a Voice to Parliament approaches, the debate is heating up. Both Yes and No camps are putting their message to Australians – how effective are their campaigns?

Joining Patricia Karvelas on the panel live in Melbourne:

Madeleine West, Author & Child Protection Advocate
Peter Khalil, Chair of the Joint Parliamentary Committee on Intelligence & Security
Paul Scarr, Liberal Senator for Queensland
Larissa Baldwin-Roberts, CEO, GetUp
Tom Elliott, Broadcaster & 3AW Drive Host

This week on Q+A… a country in flux. The day when Australians vote on whether to enshrine an Indigenous Voice to Parliament in the constitution is fast approaching. And whether the referendum succeeds or fails, our nation will be a different place. Can the divisions that have emerged during this bruising debate be bridged?

Meanwhile, inflation has ticked up again this month. Will that force the hand of the Reserve Bank Board at its upcoming meeting? And Qantas is again in the spotlight, with chair and chief executive fronting a Senate inquiry into the Qatar Airways decision. Will Australians finally get the full story?

And a shock resignation from Victoria's long-serving premier, Daniel Andrews, has highlighted the pressures and all-consuming nature of public life. Do we ask too much of our leaders?

Joining Patricia Karvelas on the panel live in Melbourne:

Malarndirri McCarthy, Assistant Minister for Indigenous Australians & Indigenous Health 
Dan Tehan, Shadow Minister for Immigration & Citizenship 
Noel Pearson, Founder of Cape York Institute
Pia Miranda, Author & Actor
Wesley Aird, Director, Centre for Indigenous Training

This week Q+A hits the road, broadcasting live from Adelaide. With just days to go until the nation decides on the Voice to Parliament referendum, Q+A heads to South Australia, where Yes and No campaigners have been focusing much of their effort. With early voting an increasingly popular option, is there enough time for each side to make their case?

South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas will be among those taking your questions… what are the most pressing issues that the state faces? Adelaide has the nation's lowest vacancy rates and rising house prices – are granny flats the next frontier to ease the squeeze?

Hospitals across SA are under pressure and like the rest of the nation, getting access to a GP is a struggle. The problem is more acute in remote and regional areas… what more can be done to get these communities the vital services they need?

Meanwhile, a reprieve for mortgage holders from the new Reserve Bank governor, with rates remaining on hold… for now. But Michele Bullock isn't ruling out future increases to combat inflation. Are Australians in for more cost-of-living pain?

Joining Patricia Karvelas on the panel live in Adelaide:

Peter Malinauskas, Premier of South Australia 
Linda Burney, Minister for Indigenous Australians 
James Stevens, Liberal member for Sturt 
Sally Scales, Uluru Dialogue Leadership & APY Artist 
Natasha Wanganeen, Actor & Proud Kaurna Narungga Ngarrindjeri & Nyoongar woman

This week on Q+A… Australia after the referendum. On Saturday the nation voted not to enshrine an Indigenous Voice to Parliament in the Constitution. So what comes next? And what does it mean for First Nations people?

Meanwhile, the eyes of the world are on the Middle East, as Israel strikes back against the deadly attacks by Hamas, vowing that Gaza "will never return to what it was". With a ground offensive looming, it's feared the conflict could leader to a wider war in the region. What do the coming weeks hold?

And a win for quiet diplomacy, with journalist Cheng Lei back home in Australia after three years' detention in China. Her release comes ahead of the PM's visit to Beijing and has been celebrated as "a moment of sunshine for all Australians". Does this herald a further easing of tensions with China?

Joining Patricia Karvelas on the panel live in Melbourne:

Alexander Downer, Former Foreign Affairs Minister 
Patrick Gorman, Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister
James McGrath, Liberal Senator for Queensland
Dee Madigan, Creative Director & Author

Lidia Thorpe, Independent Senator for Victoria: was supposed to appear but pulled out at the last minute.

This week on Q+A… Prime Minister Anthony Albanese heads to Washington DC, as tensions soar in the Middle East and Israel prepares for a ground offensive in Gaza. Climate, nuclear submarines and global security are on the agenda, while the PM has also confirmed Australia's support for Israel, saying responsibility for what is happening now "rests firmly with Hamas".

World leaders have been meeting with the Israeli PM in Tel Aviv as the conflict escalates, with Joe Biden urging Israel not to be "consumed" by its rage in responding to the attack by Hamas, while also making the case for billions more in aid to Israel and Ukraine. Meanwhile, the UN has called for a ceasefire to address the "human catastrophe" unfolding. How will the world respond to this crisis?

Here at home, the cost-of-living crunch remains the top focus for many Australians as they struggle to pay the bills. With a summer of blackouts looming and power bills set to soar, does this mean our climate battle takes a back seat to more immediate concerns?

Joining Patricia Karvelas on the panel live in Sydney:

Matt Thistlethwaite, Assistant Minister for Defence, Veterans Affairs & the Republic
Adam Bandt, Leader of the Australian Greens
Keith Pitt, Nationals Member for Hinkler
Larissa Baldwin-Roberts, GetUp CEO
Dr Rodger Shanahan, Middle East analyst

This week on Q+A… charting the future of science and technology. We'll take a glimpse at what's to come – from artificial intelligence to outer space, quantum physics to scientific breakthroughs… and what they mean for us.

From the classroom to the boardroom, AI is being integrated into our ways of working. How will this impact the next generation? With generative systems advancing rapidly, what does that mean for education, health and defence? Will machines start to do the thinking for us?

With the world facing turbulent and uncertain times, from war to climate change and economic fragility, what role does innovation play in addressing these wicked problems? And are we doing enough in Australia to support the kind of bold ideas we need to help solve them?

We're bringing together a panel of big thinkers to unpack these thorny issues – and inspire us with what's possible.

Joining Patricia Karvelas on the panel live in Melbourne:

Doug Hilton, CSIRO Chief Executive
Catriona Wallace, Founder, Responsible Metaverse Alliance
Toby Walsh, Chief Scientist, AI Institute, UNSW
Angharad Yeo, Science & Technology Journalist
Michael Biercuk, CEO, Q-CTRL and Professor at University of Sydney

This week on Q+A we cover the big issues, including health, equality and the worsening humanitarian crisis in the Middle East. As the situation in Gaza deteriorates and Israel steps up its response against Hamas, there are increased calls for humanitarian pauses to the conflict. Will the increasing international pressure have any effect?

Médecins Sans Frontières is among those calling for a ceasefire, as doctors struggle to treat the injured with limited medical equipment or anaesthetic. Aid convoys have kept up a limited delivery of much-needed supplies, but they are far short of the growing demands. What does this mean for a civilian population already at the brink?

Here at home, the government is grappling with the issue of vaping, amid reports that it's reaching epidemic levels among young people. It's a looming health catastrophe, but how effective will regulation be with a thriving black market?

And a long-awaited increase to the bulk-billing incentive has begun, but will it lead to better access to fee-free GP visits for some of the nation's most vulnerable?

Joining Patricia Karvelas on the panel live in Sydney:

Mark Butler, Minister for Health & Aged Care
Dai Le, Independent MP for Fowler
Keith Wolahan, Liberal Member for Menzies
Jennifer Tierney, Executive Director, Médecins Sans Frontières Australia
Matilda Boseley, Journalist, Guardian Australia

This week on Q+A… the conflict tearing apart the Middle East. A month ago, Hamas militants launched their deadly terror attack on Israel. Since then, thousands of people – including children – have been killed and the world is holding its breath amid fears of a broader regional conflict. Where to from here?

As calls for a ceasefire grow louder, the White House says Israel has agreed to daily four-hour humanitarian pauses in its military assault to allow civilians to flee northern Gaza. It comes after days of pressure from the US President as the casualty toll mounts. The UN chief says it's time to end the "spiral of escalation". Will leaders listen?

Meanwhile, domestic issues are mounting for the Albanese Government, with yet another rate rise putting pressure on already cash-strapped households. Can the PM manage to help families without adding to the inflation problem? And Labor has been outflanked on its contentious IR reform, with crossbenchers forcing the government to split its industrial relations mega-bill. It's shaping up to be a turbulent sitting week in parliament.

Tim Watts, Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs
Francesca Albanese, UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights in the Occupied Palestinian Territories
Dave Sharma, Former Australian Ambassador to Israel 
Nasser Mashni, President, Australia Palestine Advocacy Network
Mark Leibler, Lawyer & National Chairman, The Australia/Israel & Jewish Affairs Council

Coming up on Q+A… Australia's cost-of-living crisis. As families battle to make ends meet, navigating the tough economic climate and a raft of rate rises, it's set to be a bleak festive season for some. How much more pressure can people take?

With home ownership now dubbed "the preserve of the rich" and the pandemic, and low rental vacancies creating a "perfect storm" for young people, it's the next generation who are taking the brunt of the cost crunch. What can the government do to help without adding to inflation?

Meanwhile, a turbocharged debate in Federal Parliament over convicted criminals released from immigration detention has ended with Labor capitulating to Coalition demands for tougher restrictions on the former detainees. What does this say about the government's handling of such volatile issues? 

And online security is again front of mind, with an attack that closed ports across the nation and the annual cyber threat report revealing that more Australians than ever say they're being attacked by cybercriminals. Are Australia's cyber defences strong enough? Or are we being left exposed to international hackers?

The alarming report comes after an outage from Optus left millions of customers in the dark and the company facing a potential class action. The telco giant is offering free data to those affected, but is that enough?

Joining Patricia Karvelas on the panel in Sydney:

Stephen Jones, Assistant Treasurer & Minister for Financial Services 
Dean Smith, Liberal Senator for WA
Monique Ryan, Independent Member for Kooyong 
Intifar Chowdhury, Youth Researcher & ANU Academic
Chris Richardson, Economist

This week… the final Q+A of the year. It's been a tumultuous and at times difficult year for many, and we'll be unpacking the highs and lows of 2023. Cost-of-living pressures, climate and conflicts around the world have been a focus for us all this year – what will the next 12 months hold?

The referendum on the Indigenous Voice to Parliament seems to have laid bare a schism in our community, while the "nicer" politics we'd been promised after last year's federal election hasn't exactly been realised. As the divisions in society become starker, can we come together again? Or is our social cohesion damaged beyond repair? 

The Matildas' history-making World Cup run lifted the nation's spirits, but the high was short-lived as a series of savage rate rises hit families hard. Amid warnings of persistently stubborn inflation, is the worst yet to come?

So, what's changed for you this year? How is Australia different from this time a year ago? And what's next for 2024?

And we finish with a special performance from singer-songwriter Anthony Callea.

Joining Patricia Karvelas on the panel in Melbourne:

Cheng Lei, Journalist & Broadcaster
Osher Günsberg, TV & Podcast Host
Todd Fernando, Outgoing Victorian Commissioner LGBTIQA+ Communities
Charlotte Mortlock, Executive Director, Hilma's Network
Anthony Callea, Singer-Songwriter