Q+A This Week (ABC TV Monday 20 February 2023)

The digital conundrum is this week’s topic on Q+A from Melbourne. How can we make the internet a more secure place for everyone to live, work, and socialize while its use continues to grow? Is government oversight the way forward, or should IT firms themselves effect cultural shifts?

Australia’s new gender equality ambassador has been insulted online by Donald Trump Jr., while tennis pro Jelena Dokic has spoken openly about the abuse she has received online and the effects it has had on her life. What steps can governments take to address this problem? When people’s livelihoods depend on social media, is it practical to urge them to stop using it?

When is it okay for a child to start using social media? Tik Tok and Instagram have age restrictions of 13, but are parents able to monitor their children’s online activities? When it comes to regulating the biggest social media platforms, politicians throughout the world are playing catch-up. Does progress seem possible, or are we doomed to forever employ antiquated methods to solve modern problems?

We’ll break down the first week of the new year in session as our representatives finish up a hectic two weeks in Canberra. After being questioned by senators, the governor of the Reserve Bank still maintains that more rate increases are necessary. The Prime Minister is striving to strike a balance between two extremes on the topic of religious freedom and the right of faith-based schools to hire whomever they like.

A question remains, however, as to how much damage the doping charges against Peter Bol will cause to his training for Paris, despite the fact that his interim penalty has been lifted. How can athletes overcome such allegations?

Panellists:
Jelena Dokic, Tennis champion and broadcaster;
Narelda Jacobs, Network 10;
Michelle Rowland, Minister for Communications;
David Coleman, Shadow Communications Minister;
and Imogen Senior, Plan International Youth Advocate.

Airdate: Monday 20 February 2023 at 9:35pm Monday on ABC.