Q&A
2008Hosted by Hamish Macdonald, Q&A puts punters, pollies and pundits together in the studio to thrash out the hot issues of the week. It's about democracy in action - the audience gets to ask the questions.
Seasons & Episode
It could be the most powerful weapon in the fight against COVID-19: A vaccine. So when will it be available? Who will get priority and how will it change the way Australians live, work and travel? Is the national strategy the right one? Joining Hamish to discuss these points and more are: Nick Coatsworth, Federal Government infectious diseases advisor; Sharon Lewin, Leading infectious diseases expert and Director of the Doherty Institute; Michelle Ananda-Rajah, Associate director, Monash Institute of Medical Engineering; and Tony Blakely, Epidemiologist, University of Melbourne.
After new medical advice derailed the COVID vaccine rollout, how quickly can the Australian government get the program back on track? As Australia's relationship with China continues to sour over the fallout of its push for an international investigation into Covid-19, how can the relationship be repaired? Does having a trade relationship with China mean we have to stay silent on human rights issues? Joining Hamish to discuss these topics and more are: Norman Swan, Presenter RN and Coronacast; James Paterson, Liberal Senator for Victoria; Katy Gallagher, Shadow Minister for Finance; Vicky Xu, journalist and researcher; and David Olsson, President, Australia China Business Council.
As mass vaccination centres operate at a fraction of capacity, what does the government need to do to restore faith in its vaccination rollout? Also, the war of words over Australia’s hotel quarantine system is raging on, with some calling the system “faulty” and not fit for purpose. What is the future for this system? Joining Hamish to discuss these topics and more are: Bridget McKenzie, Nationals Senate Leader; Courtney Act, performer and activist; Mark Butler, Shadow Minister for Health and Ageing; Parnell Palme McGuinness, Communications Consultant; and Hervé Lemahieu, Director of the Power and Diplomacy Program at the Lowy Institute.
Q+A heads to Wollongong with guest host Stan Grant, looking at Victoria's COVID crisis, the challenges facing universities, plus what growing urban sprawl means for infrastructure, jobs and property prices for regional areas. On the panel are: Tim Wilson, Liberal MP for Goldstein; Stephen Jones, Labor MP for Whitlam; Diane Smith-Gander, National Chair, CEDA; Gordon Bradbery, Lord Mayor of Wollongong; and Lisa Jackson Pulver, Deputy Vice-Chancellor Indigenous Strategy and Services, University of Sydney.
This week, Hamish Macdonald returns to the Q+A host chair and along with the panel takes a look at Sydney’s growing COVID cluster, disability, autism and the other big stories of the week.On the panel are: Jayden Evans, Love on the Spectrum participant and disability worker; Bill Bowtell, Adjunct Professor, UNSW and Strategic Health Policy Adviser; Marylouise McLaws, epidemiologist; Nicole Rogerson, CEO of Autism Awareness Australia; Hollie Hughes, Liberal Senator for NSW; and Andrew Leigh, Shadow Assistant Minister for Treasury and Charities.
Guest host David Speers leads discussions on the four-stage plan to lead Australia out of the COVID pandemic, fresh accusations of sexism and unwanted sexual advances in federal politics, plus the global issue of vaccine equity. Joining him on the panel are: Peter Singer, philosopher; Katie Allen, Liberal Member for Higgins; Malarndirri McCarthy, Labor Senator for Northern Territory; Santilla Chingaipe, journalist, filmmaker and author; and Cameron Stewart, Associate Editor of The Australian.
Joining guest host Virginia Trioli on the panel are: Marylouise McLaws, epidemiologist; Steve Price, radio broadcaster; Mukesh Haikerwal, GP and former President of the AMA; Meshel Laurie, podcaster and author; and Alison Pennington, economist, The Centre for Future Work.
Joining guest host Virginia Trioli on the panel are: Libby Trickett, Olympic Gold Medallist; Russel Howcroft, broadcaster; David Gillespie, Regional Health Minister; Bill Shorten, Shadow Minister for the NDIS and Government Services; and Astrid Edwards, podcaster, teacher and disability advocate.
Hosted by Hamish Macdonald, Q&A puts punters, pollies and pundits together in the studio to thrash out the hot issues of the week. It's about democracy in action - the audience gets to ask the questions.