This week, Hamish Macdonald returns to the Q+A host chair as we talk disability, autism, and the big stories of the week.
The NDIS is moving to a new model of eligibility testing called independent assessments which has spread fear and distress among Australians with disabilities. Is the original intent of the NDIS being undermined?
In politics, Barnaby Joyce returns as Deputy Prime Minister, after beating Michael McCormack in a National Party leadership spill.
A Ugandan athlete has tested Covid positive in Tokyo and been barred entry to Japan, in the first detected infection among athletes arriving for the Tokyo Games.
Should we be holding the Olympics and Paralympics in the midst of this pandemic? The International Olympic Committee and Japanese government insist the Games can be held safely, but are the risks too great?
We’ll also look at the latest NSW COVID cluster and the Prime Minister’s trip to Cornwall.
On the panel this week:
Jayden Evans
Love on the Spectrum
Jayden Evans resides in the town of Gympie in the Wide Bay – Burnett region of Queensland.
Marylouise McLaws
Epidemiologist
Marylouise is an epidemiologist with expertise in hospital infection and infectious diseases control.
Nicole Rogerson
CEO Autism Awareness Australia and Director of Neurodevelopment Australia
Nicole Rogerson is one of the nation’s leading spokespersons for the awareness and understanding of autism. She is the founding Director of Autism Awareness Australia.
Hollie Hughes
Liberal Senator for NSW
Hollie Hughes was elected to the Senate for NSW in 2019. She has a first-hand understanding of regional Australia’s limited social and health services, especially disability services after her son was diagnosed with autism in 2012.
Andrew Leigh
Shadow Assistant Minister for Treasury and Charities
Andrew Leigh is the Shadow Assistant Minister for Treasury and Charities, and Federal Member for Fenner in the ACT.