Why is athletics added like it’s a shock ?
Q+A – Monday 9 October will broadcast live from the crucial swing state of South Australia for the Indigenous Voice to Parliament referendum.
Monday 4 September, 2023
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, inflation has eased more than expected this month, lifting hopes of another reprieve on interest rates. It’s outgoing RBA boss Philip Lowe’s last meeting in charge – will he finish his term without another hike?
And parliament returns for another sitting week. Industrial relations reform is on the agenda and cost-of-living pressures aren’t going away – it’s shaping up to be another feisty week in Canberra.
Q+A is live from Melbourne on Monday, 4 September at 9.35pm AEST.
On the Panel
Ged Kearney
Assistant Minister for Health & Aged Care
Ged Kearney is the Federal Member for Cooper. Ged has served in the parliament since March 2018, when she was elected in a by-election. She is the first woman to hold the seat. Ged’s working life – from nurse to President of the ACTU to parliamentarian – has been about fighting for the rights of others.
Andrew McKellar
CEO, Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry
Andrew McKellar is the chief executive of the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) – the nation’s largest business organisation, representing employers of every size and sector.
Vanessa Turnbull-Roberts
Lawyer & Human Rights Advocate
Vanessa Turnbull-Roberts is a proud Bundjalung Widubul-Wiabul Woman who is a Human Rights advocate, author and writer. She has acquired a Law and Social work degree whilst completing her First-class honour thesis at the University of New South Wales.
Darcy McGauley-Bartlett
Proud Gunai Kurnai Man & 2023 Victorian Young Australian of the Year
Proud Gunai Kurnai man Darcy McGauley-Bartlett is an Aboriginal Health Practitioner by trade with experience in Aboriginal Community Controlled Sector, Local Government and State Government. He believes as a community we are past acknowledgements and good intentions it’s time for action! “it’s time to create systemic and sustainable change with community".
Freya Leach
Director of Youth Policy, Menzies Research Centre
Freya Leach is the Director of the Centre for Youth Policy commencing at the Menzies Research Centre in May 2023. She is completing a Bachelor of Laws and a Bachelor of Commerce at the University of Sydney.
Monday 11 September 2023
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 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?
Q+A is live from Sydney on Monday, September 11 at 9.35pm AEST.
On the Panel
Murray Watt
Minister for Agriculture & Emergency Management
Murray Watt was elected as a Senator for Queensland in 2016. He is the Albanese Government’s Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry and Minister for Emergency Management. Since his election in 2016, Murray played a key role in Senate Estimates and a range of Senate Committees including the Rural and Regional Affairs Committee. As a Senator and Shadow Minister, he led a number of Senate inquiries into issues including regional development, energy and resources, emergency management and health care.
Kevin Hogan
Shadow Minister for Trade & Tourism
Kevin was first appointed to the Ministry in 2020 in the role of Assistant Minister to the Deputy Prime Minister. He held this role until May 2022 and was also appointed to the role of Assistant Minister for Local Government in this time. He is currently the Shadow Minister for Trade, Investment and Tourism and Deputy Manager of Opposition Business in the House of Representatives.
Kylea Tink
Independent Member for North Sydney
Kylea Tink is a business leader, social advocate and mum of three who has lived in the North Sydney area for over 15 years. In May 2022, she was elected Federal Member for North Sydney.
Barry O’Farrell
Former High Commissioner to India
Barry O’Farrell was the 43rd NSW Premier from 2011-2014. As Premier he initiated annual trade missions to India and ‘sister state’ relationships with leading states, Maharashtra and Gujarat.
Barry O’Farrell served as Australia’s High Commissioner to India from February 2020 - July 2023. In 2022 Australia signed a significant trade agreement with India.
Yasmin Poole
Writer & Youth Advocate
Yasmin is Plan International Australia’s National Ambassador, advocating for young women to be heard in Australian politics. She is the Non-Executive Board Director of OzHarvest, Australia’s leading food waste charity, and previously worked on gender equality campaigns for the World Bank in the Pacific region.
Monday 18 September, 2023
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 an El Niño weather pattern 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 government 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?
Q+A is live from Sydney on Monday, 18 September at 9.35pm AEST.
On the Panel
Chris Bowen
Minister for Climate Change & Energy
Chris entered the Federal Parliament in 2004 and has held a wide range of portfolios including serving as Treasurer, Minister for Human Services, Minister for Immigration, and Minister for Small Business. He is a keen supporter of the AFL team GWS Giants.
Ted O’Brien
Shadow Minister for Climate Change & Energy
Ted O’Brien is a Liberal Party MP in the House of Representatives, representing the seat of Fairfax on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast. He previously led negotiations on behalf of the Australian Government that helped secure the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games. He was Special Envoy for the Games and a former Board Director of the Organising Committee for Brisbane-2032.
Allegra Spender
Independent MP for Wentworth
Allegra Spender was elected in May 2022 on a platform of climate action, political integrity, future-focused economic reform, gender equity and decency. Allegra is a member of the House Standing Committee on Economics and the Joint Standing Committee on Migration. She is also co-chair of the Parliamentary Friends of Uluru Statement from the Heart, the Parliamentary Friends of Entrepreneurs, Small and Medium Business, and the Parliamentary Friends of International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA).
Nicki Hutley
Independent Economist
Nicki Hutley is a highly experienced economist, with broad-based expertise gained over more than three decades in financial and investment markets and in economic consulting.
Will Shackel
Founder of Nuclear for Australia
Will Shackel is the 17-year-old founder of Australia’s first youth-lead campaign for nuclear energy: Nuclear for Australia. As a young person concerned about the climate and energy crisis, he decided to research the prospect of the technology collaborating with experts from around the world, determining that nuclear power could be a solution that could benefit Australia.
The Royals: A History Of Scandals
This week on Q+A… making a difference. Whether it’s through politics, a high profile or a media platform – we bring together a panel of people working to create change. What motivates them and is the risk of speaking up worth it?
Former Neighbours star-turned child safety advocate Madeleine West has become a fearless campaigner against the exploitation of children after revealing her own harrowing story. Does she think the government is doing enough?
Meanwhile, 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?
And a parliamentary delegation is heading to Washington to urge the US Government to abandon its extradition proceedings against Julian Assange. Is freedom for the Wikileaks founder getting closer?
Q+A is live from Melbourne on Monday, September 25 at 9.35pm AEST.
On the Panel
Madeleine West
Actress, Author & Child Protection Advocate
Madeleine West is a AFI award winning actress with an impressive 35-years’ experience on stage and screen. However, it’s her lived experiences which have brought her proudest achievements: her work in philanthropy and child protection. Madeleine is also an avid environmentalist, working as a rainforest regenerator with ReForest Now.
Peter Khalil
Chair, Parliamentary Intelligence & Security Committee
Peter Khalil was appointed Chair of the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (PJCIS) in September 2022. He is also a member of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade, and the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Human Rights. Peter is the son of Egyptian migrant parents and grew up in a housing commission in Melbourne. Peter was elected to federal parliament in 2016 and has held the seat of Wills since.
Paul Scarr
Liberal Senator for Queensland
Paul Scarr was first elected in 2019 and serves as the Deputy Opposition Whip in the Senate. Paul is currently the Chair of the Legal and Constitutional Affairs References Committee. The Committee is currently conducting inquiries into sexual consent laws, FOI laws and Missing and Murdered First Nations women and children. In the lead up to the constitutional referendum, Senator Scarr served as Deputy Chair for preparation of the “No” Case for the referendum pamphlet distributed by the Australian Electoral Commission.
Larissa Baldwin-Roberts
CEO, GetUp
Larissa comes from a long-line of political activists and was brought up in the fight for land rights, climate justice, First Nations justice and cultural heritage, building strong relationships in communities and across civil society over decades. A proud Widjabul Wia-bal woman from the Bundjalung Nations and has dedicated her life to First Nations justice, climate action and a more fair Australia.
Tom Elliott
Broadcaster & 3AW Drive host
Tom is the host of radio station 3AW’s Drive Program (Weekdays, 3-6pm). He is also Investment Committee Chairman of wealth management firm Choice Capital and has appeared regularly on Channel Seven’s Sunrise, Network Ten’s The Project and ABC TV’s Agony Uncles series.
Monday 2 October, 2023
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, 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?
Q+A is live from Melbourne on Monday, 2 October at 9.35pm AEDT.
On the Panel
Malarndirri McCarthy
Assistant Minister for Indigenous Australians and Indigenous Health
Senator Malarndirri McCarthy is a Yanyuwa Garrawa woman from the Gulf country in the Northern Territory.
She first entered the public sphere as a journalist with the ABC and then later with SBS/NITV.
Senator McCarthy was elected to the Northern Territory Assembly as the Member for Arnhem in 2005 and held several ministerial portfolios.
Dan Tehan
Shadow Minister for Immigration and Citizenship
Dan Tehan is the Liberal Member for Wannon in Victoria. He was elected to Parliament in 2010 and was promoted to the outer ministry in 2016. In the reshuffle of late 2017 he entered Cabinet as Minister for Social Security, before being appointed Minister for Education in August 2018. In December 2020, he was appointed Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment. Dan has been the Shadow Minister for Immigration and Citizenship since the 2022 election.
Noel Pearson
Founder, Cape York Partnership
Noel Pearson comes from the Guu gu Yimithirr community of Hope Vale. For over 30 years, Mr Pearson has pursued key agendas to achieve land rights and socioeconomic development outcomes for Cape York. He co-founded the Cape York Land Council and negotiated with the Keating government to establish the Native Title Act 1993 after the High Court’s landmark Mabo decision rejected the fiction of terra nullius.
Pia Miranda
Actress & Author
Pia Miranda is one of Australia’s best-loved and critically acclaimed actors. Since bursting onto the big screen in the much-loved film Looking for Alibrandi, Pia has become part of Australian film and television history.
Chris Merritt
Vice-President, Rule of Law Institute of Australia
Chris Merritt is vice-president of the Rule of Law Institute of Australia and its sister organisation, the Rule of Law Education Centre. He writes a weekly column on legal matters for The Australian and is a contributor on legal matters for Sky News.
Monday 9 October, 2023 - SA Special
This week Q+A hits the road, broadcasting live from Adelaide. With just five days until the nation decides if there should be a change to our constitution, Q+A heads to South Australia, where Yes and No campaigners have been focusing much of their efforts. 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?
Q+A is live from Adelaide on Monday, 9 October at 9.35pm AEDT.
On the Panel
Peter Malinauskas
Premier of South Australia
Peter Malinauskas is the 47th Premier of South Australia. Prior to entering the Legislative Council, Peter was the State Secretary of the Shop, Distributive and Allied Employees Association. In this role, he led the campaign for part-day public holidays on Christmas and New Year’s Eve.
Linda Burney
Minister for Indigenous Australians
Linda Burney is the Minister for Indigenous Australians and the Federal Member for Barton. She has the important task of implementing the Uluru Statement from the Heart, including responsibility for a referendum to establish a First Nations Voice to Parliament.
James Stevens
Liberal Member for Sturt
James Stevens was elected to the House of Representatives for the seat of Sturt in 2019. The Sturt electorate stretches from Myrtle Bank in the south to Hope Valley in the north, Hackney in the west to Rostrevor in the east.
Sally Scales
Uluru Dialogue Leadership and APY Artist
Sally Scales is a Pitjantjatjara woman from the Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (APY) Lands in remote South Australia. She was elected as Chairperson of the APY Executive Board Council in 2019 and was the second woman and youngest person to hold the position.
Natasha Wanganeen
Actor and Proud Kaurna Narungga Ngarrindjeri & Nyoongar woman
Natasha Wanganeen is a proud Ngarrindjeri, Narungga, Kaurna and Noongar woman and an AFI award winning actress known for Rabbit Proof Fence. She advocates for greater cultural diversity in Australian screen culture.