The politicians are back in Canberra following the suspension of parliament, and Q+A has three prominent MPs on the panel to answer your questions, alongside veteran broadcaster Alan Jones.
This week millions of Optus customers have been caught up in what could be the most serious privacy breach in Australian history. Home Affairs Minister Clare O’Neil says Optus ‘left the door open’ for the cyber-attack and that the fault lies with the company.
The government’s long-awaited anti-corruption commission is back on the agenda – can this new parliament work together to pass the bill this week? Vigorous debate is expected in the Senate, with crossbenchers concerned it might not be given the level of power they are looking for.
The campaign for an Indigenous Voice to Parliament is also gearing up this week, with Uluru Statement leaders launching an ad asking Australians to give them a voice. Work on the details of the referendum is underway but parliament remains divided about the best way forward. How are Australians feeling about constitutional recognition?
And in the wake of shocking allegations made by former Indigenous players against the Hawthorn Football Club, two current coaches have stepped aside while the AFL investigates. There are calls for all AFL clubs to review their past treatment of First Nations players, with Indigenous leaders saying there’s more work to be done to address systemic racism in the competition.
Joining Stan Grant on the panel this week:
Ed Husic
Minister for Industry and Science
Ed Husic was elected the Federal Member for Chifley in 2010 and was re-elected for his fifth term at the 2022 Federal Election. He currently serves as the Minister for Industry and Science.
Bridget McKenzie
Shadow Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development
Bridget McKenzie the Shadow Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development and currently serves as Leader of The Nationals in the Senate.
Jacqui Lambie
Jacqui Lambie Network Senator for Tasmania
Since bursting onto the political scene in 2013, Jacqui Lambie’s career has been a rollercoaster ride – starting her own political party, losing her seat in the dual citizenship saga, and being re-elected in her own right in 2019.
Ben Abbatangelo
Gunaikurnai and Wotjobaluk writer
Ben Abbatangelo is a Gunaikurnai and Wotjobaluk creative, impactor and writer. He is a former professional athlete with the Melbourne Stars and the former Deputy CEO of the global non-profit, AIME.
Alan Jones
Alan Jones is one of Australia’s most influential broadcasters, currently hosting a primetime show each weeknight on the new ADH TV streaming service.
