Q+A: April 15

Q+A is in Melbourne this week to discuss delays to the vaccine rollout.

The Federal Government has scrapped its targets for the nationwide rollout of Covid-19 vaccines, after new medical advice derailed the rollout. More doses of the much-needed Pfizer vaccine have been ordered, taking the total number to 40 million. But of that, only about one million has arrived on our shores.

So, when will Australians be fully vaccinated? And how quickly can the Government get the program back on track?

The delay has some experts questioning when Australia’s international borders will reopen. It’s a stark contrast to China, which despite being the origin of the virus, continues to recover strongly, with its economy surging at the start 2021.

The relationship between Australia continues to sour over the fallout of its push for an international investigation into Covid-19. Exporters and business leaders are bearing the brunt and fear it could spell potential economic disaster.

How can the relationship be repaired? Does having a trade relationship with China mean we have to stay silent on human rights issues?

Joining Hamish on the panel:

Norman Swan, Presenter RN and Coronacast
James Paterson, Liberal Senator for Victoria
Katy Gallagher, Shadow Minister for Finance
Vicky Xu, Journalist and researcher
David Olsson, President, Australia China Business Council

8:30pm Thursday on ABC.