Q&A: July 6

Two TV names are on Q&A this coming Monday as the show addresses politics, political memoirs and problem drinking (the latter being a possible cross promotion….).

In politics, the voters of Eden-Monaro are heading to the polls on Saturday in a by-election touted as a test of voter confidence in Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Opposition leader Anthony Albanese in these uncertain economic times. Having suffered drought, catastrophic bushfires and the loss of tourism dollars from the fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic, what will voters decide?

Meanwhile, Australia’s defence policy is shifting to concentrate on our region, and to equip the Australian Defence Force with greater capability for deterring threats. Prime Minister Scott Morrison has warned Australia needs to prepare, “for a post COVID world that is poorer, more dangerous and more disorderly”.

The arts and media have been rocked by claims of racism in institutions and on our screens: Josh Thomas has apologised for insensitive comments, Netflix has taken down four of comedian Chris Lilley’s shows and former journalists at SBS have accused the broadcaster of racism and bullying.

And, while we’ve always been known as a nation of drinkers, new research suggests the coronavirus pandemic has seen a spike in alcohol consumption by Australian women.

Joining Hamish on the panel live:

Shaun Micallef, comedian and teetotaller
Brooke Boney, from Channel Nine’s Today Show
Christopher Pyne, Former Liberal MP
Terri Butler, Shadow Minister for the Environment and Water

9:35pm Monday on ABC.