Debate over our freedoms is dominating the news this week.
Borders are opening and life is returning to normal in many parts of Australia, but a weekend of protests saw thousands of people vent their anger over vaccine mandates and proposed pandemic legislation.
How should Australia respond to these increasing protests, some bearing violent imagery? And what does this mean for political leaders who are now becoming the target of violent threats?
Meanwhile, the contentious Religious Discrimination Bill has sparked heated debate all week in Parliament, with the Attorney-General now promising it will not be used as a weapon against gay students and teachers.
Australia became known as the ‘hermit kingdom’ during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, with more than half a million temporary migrants leaving the country. Now, both Government and business groups are spruiking the need for increased skilled migration to address severe labour shortages.
But is Australia still a desirable destination? Has the response to the pandemic permanently changed the country’s ability to attract foreign workers?
And the cricket sexting scandal continues with Cricket Australia now conceding it mishandled the investigation into Tim Paine immediately after the sexting incident. Should Tim Paine have resigned from the top job in cricket?
Joining Stan Grant on the panel this week:
Jason Falinski
NSW Liberal MP
Jason Falinski was elected as the Member for Mackellar at the 2016 election.
Andrew Barr
ACT Chief Minister
Andrew Barr was elected to the ACT Legislative Assembly in 2006 and is ACT’s Treasurer, Minister for Tourism, Minister for Climate Action, Minister for Tertiary Education, and Minister for Economic Development.
Melinda Cilento
Company director and economist
Melinda Cilento is a company director, economist and experienced senior executive, who has been the CEO of CEDA – the Committee for Economic Development of Australia – since 2017.
Yaara Bou Melhem
Journalist and documentary filmmaker
Yaara Bou Melhem is a Walkley award-winning journalist and documentary filmmaker who has made films in the remotest corners of Australia and around the world.
Michael Jensen
Theologian and Pastor
Michael Jensen is a theologian, author, and pastor who is currently the rector of St Mark’s Anglican Church, Darling Point.
With a special closing performance from:
Sara M. Saleh
Poet and writer
Sara M Saleh is a human rights campaigner, poet and writer, whose pieces have been published in English and Arabic in various national and international outlets and anthologies.
