Tonight on Q+A with Stan Grant, we take a look into the future.
As the first session of the 47th Parliament comes to a close, the Albanese Government’s priorities and political challenges become clearer. Legislating an emissions reduction target is a priority, but how much ground will Labor have to give up in order for the bill to pass?
The Prime Minister has promised a more inclusive and less divisive parliament, but how much will political realities get in the way? Mr. Albanese is up against opposition in a progressive Senate; what concessions will be required to carry out his agenda?
And, as cross-party talks continue, the CSIRO predicts that extreme weather will cost Australia more than $39 billion per year by 2050, just one of the predictions in the agency’s once-in-a-decade report on future trends that will shape the next generation.
More Australians will forego insurance as costs rise, and food security will be a major issue, according to the report.
Health, artificial intelligence and autonomous systems, the digital world, and geopolitical shifts are among the other megatrends that will shape our future. COVID and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine have signalling a sea change in our thinking about how to address society’s complex problems.
Beyoncé will also remove a lyric from a song on her new album Renaissance after disability advocates complained that the song contained a “ableist slur.” The singer received harsh criticism online, including a viral tweet from Hannah Diviney, an Australian disability activist who joins our panel this week.
Hannah describes being “spokenless by ignorance, sadness, and a simmering anger.” It comes just weeks after Hannah sued US singer Lizzo over the same slur in a song – and won, with Lizzo changing the lyric as well. Hannah is advocating for more representation of people with disabilities, including in political leadership.
Remember, you set the agenda; submit your questions and join Q+A for an important discussion.
Joining Stan Grant on the panel this week:
Larry Marshall
Chief Executive, CSIRO
Dr Larry Marshall is Chief Executive of CSIRO, Australia’s national science agency.
Jenny McAllister
Assistant Minister for Climate Change and Energy
Jenny McAllister has served as a Senator for New South Wales since 2015, representing the Australian Labor Party. She was co-founder of the Labor Environmental Activist Network (known as LEAN).
Sarah Hanson-Young
South Australian Greens Senator
With a background in activism and campaigning, Sarah Hanson-Young has brought a strong human rights focus to her years in Federal Parliament.
Warren Mundine
Director, Indigenous Forum, Centre for Independent Studies
Warren Mundine has 30 years experience in the energy and mining industry covering renewables, gas and pipeline construction, uranium and nuclear power, and electric buses and vans.
Hannah Diviney
Writer and disability advocate
Hannah Diviney is a writer, disability advocate and Editor-in-Chief and Chief Creative Officer at Missing Perspectives, a grassroots feminist youth newsroom.
