Q+A (ABC TV Monday 6 February 2023)

This week on Q+A… Parliament resumes its annual session this week, but will it be business as usual? In contrast, is it possible for competing groups to reach an understanding and work together to solve the country’s problems?

Is the PM’s honeymoon over after he faces criticism over the cost-of-living crisis and rising inflation? In fact, some financial experts predict as many as four interest rate hikes before August. The Treasury Secretary, Jim Chalmers, has been called “hopelessly out of touch” after he made a commitment to “remake capitalism” in a recent essay. How can he reach this ambitious objective, and what measures can the government take to aid suffering families?

Success in the Voice referendum is crucial to Anthony Albanese’s leadership, but the Opposition Leader is still not on board. Peter Dutton has accepted a meeting invitation from the Voice working group; would this aid him in determining the party’s stance?

Thousands of people now in Australia on temporary protection visas are hoping that Labor will grant them permanent residency. Behrouz Boochani, a writer and refugee advocate of Kurdish and Iranian descent, was exiled to Manus Island for many years before finally relocating to New Zealand. When it comes to how Australians view those seeking asylum, has anything changed?

Panellists:
Behrouz Boochani, Award-winning author and refugee advocate;
Catherine Liddle, Chief Executive, SNAICC – National Voice for our Children;
Maria Kovacic, NSW Liberal Party President;
Stephen Jones, Assistant Treasurer and Minister for Financial Services;
and Dan Tehan, Shadow Minister for Immigration and Citizenship

Airdate: Monday 6 February 2023 at 9.35pm on ABC TV and iView.