Billy Bragg Talks Music & Politics: Q+A on ABC Monday 13 March 2023

ABC’s Q&A tonight – Billy Bragg, legendary musician, joins the panel and plays a song from his most recent album. Bragg is recognised for fusing folk music with political activism.

He was a leader in the miners’ strike and a staunch opponent of Thatcherism, making him a hero to Britain’s working poor. So, what is his assessment of the difficulties experienced by low-income families today?

The Reserve Bank has raised interest rates for the ninth straight week, bringing the cash rate to its highest level since May 2012. High inflation is putting a strain on many Australians’ ability to pay their mortgages. The Reserve Bank has said it is considering pausing interest rate increases, but many families are already experiencing the effects. Is the gap between the wealthy and the working class really being addressed by our political leaders?

We also discuss the necessity of a Human Rights Act in Australia. The government is debating the topic; what factors should be considered? Are some people or communities more likely to benefit than others?

In addition, we’ll be covering the latest headlines and featuring a live performance from Billy.

Stan Grant will be joined on the panel by the following:
Musical activist Billy Bragg, Josh Burns, Labor Member for Macnamara, Perin Davey, Deputy Leader of the Nationals, Antoinette Lattouf, Journalist and author, Gigi Foster, Economist, UNSW.

Airdate: Monday 13 March 2023 at 9.35pm on ABC TV.