This week on Q+A… on the eve of Anzac Day, as the nation pauses to reflect on the sacrifice of generations past and present – has the true cost of war been forgotten?
The AUKUS pact is forcing Australians to confront the possibility of conflict, but what does the mythology and veneration of the Anzac spirit mean for how we as a nation imagine war? Are we too flippant about it? Veterans know the price that has to be paid – but are we listening? And what obligation do we have to future generations to avert war?
More turmoil for the Coalition, with a resignation and a front-bench reshuffle. Former Home Affairs Minister Karen Andrews has quit the shadow cabinet, while other changes include high-profile “no” campaigner NT Senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price becoming Shadow Minister for Indigenous Australians. Will the changes be enough to keep party unity? Or will Peter Dutton’s leadership come under more pressure?
Meanwhile, Australia’s fractured relationship with China has taken a step forward, with tensions easing over the bitter trade dispute about barley – with winemakers now hopeful their trade barriers may be the next to fall.
But there is still scepticism about China’s motives – especially in cyberspace, with TikTok banned from government devices amid data security fears. Will the next battleground be virtual with cyber warfare a bigger threat than physical conflict?
On the panel this week
TIM AYRES
Assistant Minister for Trade and Manufacturing
Tim Ayres is the Assistant Minister for Trade and Assistant Minister for Manufacturing in the Albanese Labor Government.
PAUL FLETCHER
Liberal Member for Bradfield
Manager of Opposition Business in the House, Shadow Minister for Government Services and the Digital Economy, and Shadow Minister for Science and the Arts, Paul Fletcher has been the Member for Bradfield since 2009.
TAYLAH GRAY
Proud Wiradjuri woman and lawyer
Taylah Gray is a proud Wiradjuri woman whose campaigning efforts for Indigenous rights have made national headlines.
.
JAMES BROWN
Chief Executive Officer of the Space Industry Association of Australia
James Brown is the Chief Executive Officer of the Space Industry Association of Australia, who are working to enable space industry for Australia’s economy, security, international partnerships, and climate future.
SOPHIE HOWE
Inaugural Future Generations Commissioner for Wales
Sophie is a member of the Wales Committee of the Equality and Human Rights Commission and is Chair of the international Network of Institutions for Future Generations.
