The summer bushfires have shocked Australia and the world. Q+A returns with new host Hamish Macdonald for an important conversation in Queanbeyan about how these communities are recovering and what they want from our leaders. Joining him live from Bega are: Kristy McBain, Mayor of Bega Valley Shire; Andrew Constance, Member for Bega; Victor Steffensen, Indigenous fire practitioner; Cheryl McCarthy, Far South Coast Director, Surf Life Saving NSW; Michael Mann, renowned US climate scientist; and Jim Molan, Liberal Senator for NSW.

Hamish Macdonald hosts a conversation on climate solutions. Joining him live in Melbourne to discuss how businesses and individuals are tackling the climate challenge are: Osher Günsberg, TV and radio host; Jennifer Westacott, Business Council of Australia CEO; Sophia Hamblin Wang, Sustainability entrepreneur; Matt Evans, chef and farmer; and Audrey Zibelman, Australian Energy Market Operator CEO. There is also a musical performance from Paul Kelly.

Joining Hamish Macdonald in Melbourne to discuss the topic of trust are: Katie Allen, Liberal MP for Higgins; Clare O'Neil, Shadow Minister for Innovation, Technology and the Future of Work; Jacqui Lambie, Independent Senator; Jack Manning Bancroft, Founder and CEO of Australian Indigenous Mentoring Experience; and Simon McKeon, Investment banker and former Australian of the Year. Hamish also interviews Simon Longstaff of The Ethics Centre.

The Coronavirus has brought Australia's relationship with China into sharp focus. Hamish Macdonald examines the implications for our economy, region and community with: Wang Xining, Minister and Deputy Head of Mission, Chinese Embassy; Stan Grant, writer and journalist, who spent ten years reporting from China; Raina MacIntyre, Global Biosecurity head, Kirby Institute; Jason Yat-sen Li, investor and President of the Chinese Australian Forum; and Vicky Xu, journalist and researcher.

Joining Hamish Macdonald in Melbourne to discuss what it means to be an Australian in the 21st century are: Nova Peris, Olympian and former politician; Tarang Chawla, writer and anti-violence campaigner; Marlee Silva, founder of the Indigenous female empowerment network "Tiddas 4 Tiddas"; and Lehmo, comedian and broadcaster.

Hamish Macdonald presents an hour of topical debate from Sydney where he discusses the current issues facing the Australian education system. Joining him to discuss the topic are: Tanya Plibersek, Shadow Minister for Education; Adrian Piccoli, Director, Gonski Institute and former Deputy Leader of the NSW Nationals; Eddie Woo, a high school Maths teacher and Internet sensation; John Collier, Principal of St Andrew's Cathedral School; and Vy Tran, Year 12 student from Mac.Robertson Girls’ High School.

Hamish Macdonald hosts a special debate from Melbourne focussed on the coronavirus. Joining him on the panel to discuss this are: Richard Colbeck, Minister for Aged Care, Youth and Sport; Katy Gallagher, Shadow Minister for Finance; Bill Bowtell, Adjunct Professor, UNSW and Strategic Health Policy Adviser; Dr Mukesh Haikerwal, GP and former President of the AMA; Sam Mostyn, business and sustainability advisor.

As the coronavirus continues to dominate headlines, Hamish Macdonald presents an hour of topical debate from Sydney with a panel of medical professionals. Answering questions are: Dr Norman Swan, presenter, RN and Coronacast; Professor Sharon Lewin, a leading infectious diseases expert and Director of the Doherty Institute; and Professor Paul Kelly, Deputy Chief Medical Officer. Also features a musical performance by Bridie Connell and Tom Cardy.

Joining Hamish Macdonald in Sydney to discuss the repercussions of the coronavirus on Australia are: Nicki Hutley, economist at Deloitte Access Economics; Matt Comyn, CEO and Managing Director of Commonwealth Bank; Jennifer Westacott, CEO of the Business Council of Australia; and Josh Pyke, singer/songwriter. Also answering some viewer questions is Michael Sukkar, Assistant Treasurer and Minister for Housing, and Linda Burney, Shadow Minister for Families and Social Services.

Joining Hamish Macdonald in Sydney to discuss the latest developments surrounding the coronavirus and share their experiences dealing with the pandemic are: Dr Stephen Parnis, Emergency Doctor and Former AMA Vice President; Danielle Austin, Senior Nurse and Disaster Manager at St Vincent's Hospital; Dr Vyom Sharma, General Practitioner; Dr Lucy Morgan, Respiratory Physician, Nepean Hospital; Katie Allen, Liberal Member for Higgins; Chris Bowen, Shadow Minister for Health; and John Hall, President of the Rural Doctors Association of Australia. Also features a musical performance from G Flip.

Joining Hamish Macdonald to discuss coping mechanisms for enduring the social isolation required during the coronavirus pandemic are: Matt Preston, food critic and author; Craig Foster, Refugee advocate and former Socceroos captain; Julie McCrossin, broadcaster and comedian; John Anderson, Former Deputy Prime Minister of Australia; and Christine Morgan, CEO of the National Mental Health Commission. Also includes a live cross to author and former teacher, Gabbie Stroud, and special appearances from Costa Georgiadis and The Wiggles.

Joining Hamish Macdonald to discuss what the future holds for Australians in the wake of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic are: Nev Power, Executive Chairman of the National COVID-19 Coordination Commission; Sally McManus, Australian Council of Trade Unions Secretary; Simon Longstaff, Executive Director of The Ethics Centre; Gigi Foster, economist, UNSW; and Jodie McVernon, an epidemiologist at the Doherty Institute.

Joining Hamish Macdonald to discuss the impact on the world of education during the current COVID-19 pandemic are: Nick Coatsworth, Deputy Chief Medical Officer; Lisa Jackson Pulver, Deputy Vice Chancellor, University of Sydney; Mark Scott, Secretary, NSW Department of Education; Lian Davies, Principal, Whittlesea Secondary College; with a live cross to Dan Tehan, Minister for Education.

Hamish Mcdonald chairs a debate on how the world will carry on after the coronavirus pandemic passes. Joining him to discuss this topic are: Dave Sharma, Liberal Member for Wentworth and Former Diplomat; Penny Wong, Shadow Foreign Minister; Michael Fullilove, Executive Director, Lowy Institute; and Elaine Pearson, Australia Director, Human Rights Watch. Also includes a pre-recorded interview with Nicholas Burns, former Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs during George W. Bush's presidency.

Joining Hamish Macdonald in the studio to discuss the easing of Australia's quarantine conditions are: Dan Andrews, Premier of Victoria, Gladys Berejiklian, Premier of New South Wales, and Annastacia Palaszczuk, Premier of Queensland. Also includes a live performance by Marlon Williams.

Hamish Macdonald chairs a debate on the post-pandemic impact on young Australians. Will it be harder to find work, buy a home, get a degree? How will their way of life change? The young have paid a high economic price for this crisis, so has the time come to address the intergenerational debt? Joining Hamish to discuss these points and more are: Yael Stone, actor and climate advocate; Sophie Johnston, Youth Commissioner, National Youth Commission; Tim Fung, CEO and co-founder of Airtasker; Danielle Wood, economist at the Grattan Institute; and Innes Willox, CEO of the Australian Industry Group.

Hamish Macdonald chairs a discussion about how Australia's future could be reimagined in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic. Joining him on the panel to share their thoughts and ideas are: Lucy Turnbull, Former Lord Mayor of Sydney; Jordan Nguyen, engineer, futurist and broadcaster; Alan Finkel, Australia's Chief Scientist; Rae Johnston, Science and Technology Editor for NITV; and Genevieve Bell, anthropologist and AI specialist. Also joining the discussion are women's advocate, Georgie Dent and CEO of AIME, Jack Manning Bancroft.

The Federal Government has unveiled its roadmap for Australia's energy future, shifting focus from coal to gas. Will the new energy plan benefit all Australians now and into the future? Joining Hamish Macdonald to discuss this and more are: Matt Canavan, Queensland Nationals Senator; Zali Stegall, Independent MP for Warringah; Joel Fitzgibbon, Shadow Minister for Agriculture and Resources; Zoe Whitton, Citibank and Investor Group on Climate Change; and Sophia Hamblin Wang, sustainability entrepreneur.

In the wake of the international Black Lives Matter demonstrations and Australia's economy entering recession for the first time in 29 years, Hamish Macdonal chairs a discussion about racism and the government's response to the ongoing pandemic. On the panel are: Andrew Bragg, Liberal Senator for NSW; Jim Chalmers, Shadow Treasurer; Nakkiah Lui, Actor, Writer and Gamillaroi and Torres Strait Islander woman; Nyadol Nyuon, Commercial Litigator with Arnold Bloch Leibler and Community Advocate; and Meyne Wyatt, Wongutha-Yamatji man, raised in Kalgoorlie, writer and actor.

Joining Hamish Macdonald to discuss how the world of sport will deal with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic are: Andrew Abdo, Interim NRL CEO; Brendon Gale, Richmond Football Club CEO; Tracey Holmes, Sports broadcaster and journalist; Bruce Djite, Director of Football, Adelaide United and former A-League player; and Sharni Layton, World Champion Australian Netballer and AFLW All-Australian.

Secrets, spies and hidden trials. How do we balance national security with your right to know? Joining Hamish Macdonald to discuss this and more are: Dennis Richardson, Former Director-General of ASIO; Nick Xenophon, Lawyer and former Senator; Annika Smethurst, News Corp journalist and AFP raid victim; Clinton Fernandes, National security analyst; and Jacinta Carroll, Counter-terrorism expert.

Claims of sexual harassment have rocked the High Court, youth unemployment is skyrocketing and the cancel culture debate looks like going nowhere. All this against a backdrop of a serious COVID spike in Victoria. Joining guest host Virginia Trioli to discuss all this and more are: Paul Fletcher, Minister for Communications, Cyber Safety and the Arts; Bill Shorten, Shadow Minister for the National Disability Insurance Scheme; Katie Noonan, musician, producer, composer and artistic director; Yasmin Poole, writer and youth advocate; Sue Morphet, President, Chief Executive Women.

In politics, the voters of Eden-Monaro are heading to the polls on Saturday in a by-election touted as a test of voter confidence in Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Opposition leader Anthony Albanese in these uncertain economic times. Meanwhile, the arts and media have been rocked by claims of racism in institutions and on our screens, and new research suggests the coronavirus pandemic has seen a spike in alcohol consumption by Australian women. Joining Hamish Macdonald to discuss these topics and more are: Shaun Micallef, Television host; Brooke Boney, Today Show entertainment reporter; Christopher Pyne, Former Liberal MP; and Terri Butler, Shadow Minister for the Environment and Water.

Former Prime Minister Julia Gillard joins Hamish Macdonald for a special Q+A live from Sydney. The only woman to hold the top job in Australia, she discusses her time as Prime Minister and how she is tackling the challenge of being an ex-PM.

As life opens up for much of Australia, the two most populated states are battling to contain a growing number of COVID cases. Victoria is now cut off from all states, with several areas in complete lockdown, AFL teams are fleeing north and businesses facing loss upon loss. The Government says more financial help is on the way, but how long can the country afford this stop-start scenario? Joining Hamish to discuss this are: Sarah Henderson, Liberal Senator for Victoria; Adam Bandt, Leader of the Australian Greens; Margy Osmond, CEO of the Tourism and Transport Forum; Jodie McVernon, Epidemiologist, Doherty Institute; and L-FRESH the LION, Hip Hop artist from south-west Sydney. Also includes a live cross to Michael Gunner, Chief Minister of the Northern Territory.

The pandemic has already taken a terrible economic toll and the recovery will take longer than first predicted. Treasurer Josh Frydenberg says we are in the “fight of our lives”, with Australia recording the largest budget deficit in modern history. So who will benefit, who will lose out, and will it be enough to keep our hardest hit sectors going? On the panel to discuss this and more are: Bill Bowtell, Adjunct Professor, UNSW and Strategic Health Policy Adviser; Gigi Foster, economist, UNSW; George Megalogenis, author and journalist; Cassandra Goldie, CEO of Australian Council of Social Service; and Karen Soo, Executive Officer at the Haymarket Chamber of Commerce. With a live cross to: Simon Birmingham, Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment and Katy Gallagher, Shadow Minister for Finance.

Hamish Macdonald is joined by a panel of frontline workers and medical experts leading the fight against COVID. On the panel are: Kerryn Phelps, Former AMA President and City of Sydney councillor; Lucy Morgan, Respiratory physician, Nepean Hospital; Vyom Sharma, General Practitioner; and Abbey Fistrovic, Clinical Nurse Specialist. With a live cross to: Andrew Laming, Liberal Member for Bowman, and Ged Kearney, Shadow Assistant Minister for Aged Care.

With stage 3 restrictions now in effect across the rest of Victoria, what is the impact for one of Australia's key states? Joining Hamish Macdonald to discuss this and more are: Tim Wilson, Victorian Liberal MP; Kimberley Kitching, Victorian Labor Senator; Dinesh Palipana, Emergency doctor and disability advocate; Michele O’Neil, ACTU President; and Paul Waterson, CEO, Australian Venue Co. Also joining the program: Killian Ashe, Psychiatrist, Royal Melbourne Hospital

The pandemic has fast turned Australia into two countries - the COVID states, and the COVID-free states, with border closures now a brutal necessity. So, how does Australia stay united? Also, it is vital we can trust our sources of news and information during a pandemic. Conspiracy theories, fake news and the influence of big tech are all under the microscope, as a new code comes into force requiring the digital giants to pay old media for news content. Will that solve the problems? Joining Hamish to discuss all of this are: Barnaby Joyce, Nationals Member for New England; Michelle Rowland, Shadow Communications Minister; Antoinette Lattouf, journalist and diversity advocate; Niki Savva, columnist and author; Ziggy Ramo, musician; and Sinead Boucher, Chief executive and owner of Stuff Ltd.

Increasing numbers of young Australians are fearful for their future due to facing unemployment, underemployment, drained savings and superannuation accounts, bigger debts, a disrupted school life and serious mental health challenges. Joining Hamish Macdonald to discuss the best way forward are: Scott Yung, Education entrepreneur; Ahmed Hassan, co-founder and Executive Director of Youth Activating Youth; Kate McBride, a farmer from Western NSW; and Hamani Tanginoa, University student and musician. Also includes a live cross to: Andrew Bragg, Liberal Senator for NSW; Anika Wells, Labor MP for Lilley; and Jordon Steele-John, Greens Senator for WA.

This week Hamish Macdonald draws on the collective wisdom of some highly respected Australians. How do their life experiences shape what they take away from this COVID-19 crisis? Where do they think our focus should be right now? How do they imagine our future? How should we tackle the big issues facing the country at this time? Discussing these questions and more are: Kerry O'Brien, journalist and author; Jillian Broadbent, Chancellor, University of Wollongong and leading businesswoman; Colin Barnett, Former Premier of WA and Adjunct Professor at UWA; Ray Minniecon, pastor; and Ronni Kahn, CEO and Founder, OzHarvest.

The political battle over state borders is heating up. The Premiers are standing firm but the Prime Minister wants interstate travel to resume by Christmas. Hard border closures are helping contain COVID cases but have caused massive problems for business, health care workers and families in need of medical attention. So, who’s got the power when it counts? Are we getting the balance right when it comes to restricting free travel in the name of public health? To discuss this with Hamish Macdonald are: Michael McCormack, Deputy Prime Minister; Kristina Keneally, Shadow Home Affairs Minister; Dr Omar Khorshid, Australian Medical Association President; Kim Rubenstein, legal scholar and citizenship expert; and Tania de Jong, social and business entrepreneur.

Loneliness is predicted to be the next public health epidemic of the 21st century. What sort of politics could make us feel more connected? Does technology bring us together or keep us apart? Joining Hamish Macdonald to discuss these questions and more are: Gus Worland, Gotcha4Life Founder; Sarah Wilson, author and TV presenter; Hugh Mackay, psychologist and author; Michelle Lim, Scientific Chair, Ending Loneliness Together; and Rosemary Kayess, Associate Director, Disability Innovation Institute UNSW.

President Trump's handling of COVID-19 has been widely condemned and racial tensions have sparked protests in many American cities. Six weeks out from the election and polls suggest Democratic nominee Joe Biden is leading the race, but Trump has form when it comes to defying predictions. To discuss the upcoming election with Hamish Macdonald are: Kim Hoggard, Former advisor to Presidents Ronald Reagan and George HW Bush; Barbara Heineback, Former First Lady White House Press Officer; Cole Brown, Author; John Ruddick, Author; and Kylie Morris, Journalist and former Washington D.C. correspondent.

After the devastating impact of bushfires and COVID-19, what should our economic recovery plan look like? Where should our priorities lie when it comes to jobs and growth post-pandemic? Joining Hamish Macdonald to discuss this and more are: Mike Cannon-Brookes, Co-founder and co-CEO of Atlassian; Darren Chester, Minister for Veterans' Affairs and Defence Personnel; Mark Butler, Shadow Minister for Climate Change and Energy; Marian Wilkinson, Investigative journalist and author, The Carbon Club; Yun Jiang, Editor, China Story blog at the Australian National University. Includes a musical performance from Alex the Astronaut.

Next week’s budget will be unlike any other. Australia's gross debt has now soared past a record-breaking $800 billion, and somehow the Government must support the economy and plan a recovery amidst a pandemic still throwing up unknowns. Joining Hamish Macdonald to discuss how the Government is going to meet the challenge are: Naomi Simson, Founder of RedBalloon; Jane Hume, Assistant Minister for Financial Services and Superannuation; Jim Chalmers, Shadow Treasurer; Jane Halton, health expert and former head of Australia’s Finance Department; and Nicki Hutley, economist from Deloitte Access Economics.

It’s a tricky time to be in Opposition, while we’re consumed by the pandemic and those leading us through it. Now, Labor’s leader has pledged to change tack and start providing an alternative. This week is a one-on-one special with the man who wants to be Prime Minister - Anthony Albanese. Also includes a musical performance by Sarah Blasko.

Tech designers have control over how billions of us think and act, and some of them have started sounding the alarm on their own creations. Reports show higher social media use is now linked to a decline in mental health. Political disinformation campaigns on social platforms are on the rise, undermining democracy in some countries. So how do we stop social media from reprogramming our lives and take back control? Is government regulation the way to go? Joining Hamish Macdonald to discuss these questions are: Tristan Harris, Former Google Design Ethicist and star of “The Social Dilemma”; Marc Fennell, tech reporter and author; Julie Inman Grant, eSafety Commissioner; Matt Ford and Jack Steele, The Inspired Unemployed; Sally Rugg, Executive Director at change.org; and Jocelyn Brewer, Cyberpsychologist.

In these challenging times, who holds the powerful to account? Are the standards of our political leaders slipping as we grapple with the COVID crisis? Also, how do we achieve a more ethical Australia? Could we embed ethics into all levels of society? Joining Hamish Macdonald on the panel to discuss these topics are: Ken Henry, Former Treasury Secretary; Dave Sharma, Liberal Member for Wentworth; Tanya Plibersek, Shadow Minister for Education; Simon Longstaff, Executive Director, The Ethics Centre; and Dani Larkin, Lawyer, Uluru Dialogue Leadership Group.

America is bitterly divided, the economy is in trouble and COVID-19 is still ravaging the population. The polls and history are against Trump, voters tend to punish sitting presidents during recessions but there's never been a presidential race quite like this one. Will Trump once again defy his critics and the predictions and secure a second term? Joining Hamish Macdonald to discuss this are: Kim Hoggard, Former senior Republican White House staffer; Damien Cave, Australian Bureau Chief, New York Times; Salvatore Babones, Political sociologist, University of Sydney; Lydia Khalil, International Security Expert; Greg Sheridan, Foreign Editor, The Australian.

This week, the topics include the US election, implications of the Queensland election, the 45th anniversary of Gough Whitlam’s dismissal, the Integrity Commission proposal, and national secrets. Joining Hamish Macdonald to discuss these are: Malcolm Turnbull, Former Prime Minister of Australia; Bob Carr, Former Labor Foreign Minister; Jenny Hocking, Author, The Palace Letters; Paul Kelly, Editor-at-large, The Australian; and Jan Fran, Media Commentator and Broadcaster.

It's been a big week - allegations of sexual misconduct and a toxic culture for women in Canberra, Donald Trump clinging to power in a bizarre post-election campaign, Labor spats over climate policy, and a potential vaccine breakthrough. Joining Hamish Macdonald to discuss these topics are: Barnaby Joyce, Nationals Member for New England; Helen Haines, Independent Member for Indi; Emma Husar, Former Labor MP; Rutger Bregman, historian and author, Humankind and Utopia for Realists; and Jane Caro, writer and novelist.

COVID has hit Australia’s poorest the hardest, and young people are struggling to find work in the coronavirus recession. Yet Labor struggles to hold onto its grassroots heartland in these areas, and the NSW Liberal party faces questions over secret land deals and thwarted plans for a light rail extension. Who has the answers for areas like these so crucial to the Australian COVID recovery? Joining Hamish Macdonald for this discussion are: Stuart Ayres, NSW Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney; Richard Marles, Deputy Opposition Leader; Dai Le, Fairfield City Councillor; Amani Haydar, artist, lawyer and writer; Amanda Rose, Founding Director of Western Sydney Women.

2020 brought us drought, bushfires and the chaos of a pandemic. COVID and the accompanying recession has changed the world, and all of us - in some ways for the worse, and in some for the better. All against a backdrop of the most extraordinary US Presidential election in living memory, and an alarming deterioration in our relations with China. Joining Hamish Macdonald to reflect on the events of the past year are: Jimmy Barnes, Rock legend and author; Kristy McBain, Labor Member for Eden-Monaro; Michael Yabsley, Former NSW Liberal MP; Rita Therese, Sex worker, artist and writer; and Lavina Lee, International relations expert.

Kicking off the new series in its new timeslot, Hamish Macdonald chairs a debate that asks how the new Biden presidency will affect Australia, if the debate surrounding Australia Day has affected race relations, and whether the vaccine brawls erupting in Europe will disrupt the Australian rollout. Joining him to discuss these questions and more are: Grace Tame, Australian of the Year; Alexander Downer, Former Liberal Foreign Affairs Minister; Warren Mundine, Chairman of the Australian Indigenous Education Foundation; Shane Fitzsimmons, Former NSW RFS Commissioner; and Tanya Hosch, Social inclusion advocate.

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.

The tech giants have threatened to pull their services from Australia if the Government goes ahead with new laws forcing them to pay media outlets for their news content. Should governments reign in the might of the tech sector? Will the proposed Media Code support traditional news media outlets? Has the spread of conspiracies and online extremism corrupted our democracies and how much is big tech to blame? And what would life without Google look like? Joining Hamish Macdonald to discuss these questions and more are: Paul Fletcher, Minister for Communications, Cyber Safety and the Arts; Michelle Rowland, Shadow Communications Minister; Julie Inman Grant, eSafety Commissioner; Lydia Khalil, International security expert; and Hal Crawford, Media consultant and former news director.

On the eve of the final report of the Royal Commission into Aged Care, Q+A asks is Australia failing its older citizens? The pandemic has exposed nightmare stories of neglect for those in aged care. What needs to change and are there alternative models for aged care we should be exploring? Joining Hamish Macdonald to discuss the topic are: Katie Allen, Liberal Member for Higgins; Clare O'Neil, Shadow Minister for Senior Australians and Aged Care Services; Mike Baird, CEO of HammondCare and Former NSW Premier; Jane Halton, Health expert and former head of Australia’s Finance Department; and Joseph Ibrahim, Professor at the Department of Forensic Medicine, Monash University.

With the Brittany Higgins scandal and growing number of sexual assault claims engulfing the Federal parliament, Q+A brings together a diverse panel of women to discuss gender, justice, and equality. How far has feminism brought us and what is the role of men in ending the power imbalance? Joining Hamish Macdonald to discuss these questions and more are: Isabel Allende, Internationally acclaimed author and feminist; Susan McDonald, Queensland National Party Senator; Anne Aly, WA Labor MP; Samantha Maiden, National Political Editor; Dhanya Mani, Lawyer and former NSW Liberal Party staffer; and Kate Crawford, Academic and leading artificial intelligence expert; with a live performance from Somalian poet Hani Abdile.

Australia's economic rebound: who is leaping ahead and who is falling behind? Plus Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's interview, Australia's trade relationship with China, and is it time to rethink COVID border restrictions? Joining Hamish Macdonald to discuss this and more are: Zed Seselja, Minister for International Development and the Pacific; Kristina Keneally, Shadow Home Affairs Minister; Fiona Simson, President, National Farmers’ Federation; Gareth Parker, Breakfast host, 6PR Perth; Kim Rubenstein, Legal scholar and citizenship expert.

This week, students, parents, experts and educators take a frank look at the vexed issue of consent, how men can help change the power imbalance and what needs to be done to combat the cultures of violence and silence that threaten the daily lives of Australian girls and women. Joining Hamish Macdonald on the panel are: Yumi Stynes, Broadcaster and author, Welcome to Consent; Briony Scott, Principal, Wenona School; Michael Salter, Associate Professor of Criminology, UNSW; Yasmin Poole, 2021 Youth Influencer of the Year; and Joe Williams, Former NRL player and mental health advocate.

COVID is giving us a chance to reset, but already we’re seeing a toxic form of vaccine nationalism take hold, in which unequal access to vaccines is leaving some countries out in the cold. So how do we design a more equal world? Joining Hamish Macdonald on the panel are: Stan Grant, journalist and author; Bruce Pascoe, author; Sam Mostyn, President, Chief Executive Women; Gigi Foster, Economist, UNSW; Adam Creighton, Economics editor, The Australian. Also joining the conversation is Thomas Piketty, Internationally renowned economist. Also includes a live musical performance by Dami Im.

The Federal Government’s so-called “women’s ministry” meets for the first time this week in an attempt to drive action when it comes to the treatment of women. Will it be enough to turn the Prime Minister’s fortune around? The Government is also trying to turn around its vaccine rollout, as it fails to reach its targets; what can be done to accelerate and restore confidence in the process? And, as another Indigenous Australian died in custody this week, how do Australians turn the tide against Indigenous disadvantage and stop First Nations people dying in prison? Joining Hamish Macdonald on the panel to discuss these topics are: Trent Zimmerman, Liberal Member for North Sydney; Anika Wells, Labor Member for Lilley; Martyn Iles, Managing Director of the Australian Christian Lobby; Antoinette Lattouf, journalist, diversity advocate, and author; and Teela Reid, Wiradjuri/Wailwan, lawyer. With a live performance from singer-songwriter Robbie Miller.

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 more countries set ambitious targets to reduce emissions, Australia stands at a crossroads. After more than a decade of bickering on both sides of politics, is the country ready to put an end to its climate wars? The Prime Minister has signalled he's open to setting a net zero target by 2050 but how do you build a policy framework that can lead to the reduction of emissions, attract economic investment and keep energy costs down? And with work gathering pace on the draft report into The Voice to Parliament, we’ll look at the battle for Indigenous recognition. Joining Hamish to discuss these topics are: Malcolm Turnbull, Former Prime Minister; Narelda Jacobs, presenter, 10 News First and Studio 10; Keith Pitt, Minister for Resources, Water and Northern Australia; Sarah Hanson-Young, South Australian Greens Senator; and Andrew Liveris, Former CEO, The Dow Chemical Company.

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.

This week's discussion takes a look at housing affordability, childcare and the government’s big spend. Joining Hamish Macdonald on the panel are: Alan Kohler, Finance journalist and Editor-in-Chief at The Eureka Report; Jess Hill, journalist and author of See What You Made Me Do; Fiona Martin, Liberal Member for Reid; Linda Burney, Shadow Minister for Families and Social Services; and Bri Lee, lawyer and author of Eggshell Skull and Beauty. Includes a live performance from Julia Stone.

With the economy showing strong signs of recovery, the government is focusing on jobs and talking up its spending on aged care, infrastructure and childcare. It’s being touted as a “women’s budget”, but will the measures, including more funding for domestic violence prevention and women’s health, be enough to stave off the effects of the so-called “pink recession”? And will the Government’s cash splash safeguard the economy from the threat of more lockdowns and extended border closures? On the panel are: Jane Hume, Minister for Superannuation, Financial Services and the Digital Economy; Jim Chalmers, Shadow Treasurer; Larissa Waters, Greens Senator; Jacqui Lambie, Independent Senator; and Helen Haines, Independent Member for Indi.

With Australia’s borders likely to remain closed until mid-2022, senior Government ministers are standing by the decision to keep the doors shut, despite internal party backlash. What will extended border closures mean for the country’s productivity? Despite the economy showing strong signs of recovery, the budget papers forecast a decade of deficits and debt, set to peak at almost $1 trillion in 2025. Will Australia ever see a surplus again? And as the situation escalates between Israelis and Palestinians on the Gaza strip, the panel discuss the humanitarian crisis unfolding in the Middle East. Joining Hamish for this discussion are: Luke McGregor, comedian, writer and actor; Barnaby Joyce, Nationals Member for New England; Gabriela D'Souza, Senior Economist, Committee for Economic Development of Australia; Tony Burke, Shadow Minister for Industrial Relations; and Lisa Jackson Pulver, Deputy Vice Chancellor, University of Sydney.

With the conflict in the Middle East between Israel and Hamas arriving at a ceasefire, how long will the peace last? Also, as Australia marks Reconciliation Week, what action needs to be taken to amplify the voices of and achieve better outcomes for First Nations people? And, with Health Minister Greg Hunt saying the government expects to have two million doses of Pfizer supplied each week from October, will it be enough to restore confidence in the vaccination program? Joining Hamish on the panel to discuss these questions are: Jennifer Robinson, Human Rights lawyer; Mitch Tambo, Singer and songwriter; Dave Sharma, Liberal Member for Wentworth; Ed Husic, Labor Member for Chifley; and Randa Abdel-Fattah, author and academic. Also includes a live musical performance from Mitch Tambo.

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.

As frustrated Victorians endure a fourth lockdown, businesses across the country are hurting; is it time we learnt to live with COVID long term? What risk are we prepared to live with? Plus a look at the trade war tensions between Australia and China. Joining Hamish on the panel are: Omar Khorshid, President, Australian Medical Association; Kamalini Lokuge, Epidemiologist, Australian National University; Peter Hartcher, Political Editor, The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age; Sally Scales, APY Art Centre Collective Regional Programs Coordinator and Uluru Statement Leadership; and Cameron Murray, Economist and Research Fellow.

As Melbourne slowly emerges from its fourth heartbreaking lockdown, what is the nation's view on job security and business confidence in the COVID recovery, plus the impact of Victoria’s recent devastating floods. Other topics include the latest developments in the plight of the Biloela Tamil family, allegations of misogyny in the Olympic swim team culture, and Israel’s new Prime Minister. Joining guest host David Speers on the panel are: Darren Chester, Minister for Veterans' Affairs and Defence Personnel; Clare O'Neil, Shadow Minister for Senior Australians and Aged Care Services; Hana Assafiri, Businesswoman and social change agent; Susan Alberti, Businesswoman and philanthropist; and Tom Elliott, Radio broadcaster.

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.

When it comes to vaccinations, it seems Australia has fallen to the very last of all OECD countries, with only 4.75% of Australians vaccinated, as compared 45.76% in the United States. And with Brisbane on track to be named the official host of the 2032 Olympics and Paralympics, should the Tokyo Games go ahead next month. Joining Hamish on the panel are: Annastacia Palaszczuk, Premier of Queensland; Jason Falinski, NSW Liberal MP; Michelle Ananda-Rajah, Infectious diseases expert; Stephen Duckett, Director of Health and Aged Care, Grattan Institute; and Jennifer Hewett, National Affairs Columnist, Australian Financial Review.

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.