This week… Q+A is back for a new year, returning to Mondays at 9:35pm. Join us for the conversation as we debate the issues set to dominate the news agenda in 2023.
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 to 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?
All this and more on our first show for 2023.
Q+A is live from Sydney on Monday, January 30 at 9.35pm AEDT.
Media Release – ABC
On the Panel
Craig Foster
NSW Australian of the Year 2023 and Chair of the Australian Republican Movement
Craig Foster is a former professional athlete having represented the Australian National male football team, the Socceroos, 29 times including as captain.
Malarndirri McCarthy
Assistant Minister for Indigenous Australians and Indigenous Health
Senator Malarndirri McCarthy is a Yanyuwa woman from the Gulf country in the Northern Territory. She was first elected as Senator for the Northern Territory in August 2016.
Bridget McKenzie
Bridget McKenzie grew up in regional Victoria and has a deep passion for the regions. A staunch supporter of the agriculture, forestry, mining and manufacturing industries, she is also a prominent supporter of Australia’s law abiding firearm owners.
Lidia Thorpe
Senator Lidia Thorpe is a proud Gunnai, Gunditjmara and DjabWurrung woman and the Greens spokesperson for First Nations, the Republic and Sports.
Tom Calma
Co-chair of the Indigenous Voice Co-design group and Senior Australian of the Year 2023
Professor Tom Calma AO is one of Australia’s most respected human rights and social justice campaigners.
With a live performance from
William Barton
Multi-instrumentalist, composer, vocalist, producer, and Queensland Australian of the Year 2023
Proud Kalkadunga man William Barton is a multi-instrumentalist, vocalist, didgeridoo player and renowned classical composer.