Q+A: Nov 24

Q+A is live from Melbourne tonight discussing NDIS, Covid waves, the industrial relations bill and the upcoming Victorian election.

This week on Q+A, how do we put a price on supporting people with disabilities? The cost of the NDIS is blowing out, but with the scheme providing crucial and life-changing support for many Australians – how do we rein it in? And who would miss out on much-needed care?

Disability rights advocates say the argument has become too focused on money and not on people – so how do we change the narrative? What tough decisions need to be made to keep the NDIS sustainable? And have the states dropped the ball on disability services?

Meanwhile, what does the latest COVID wave mean for those who are most vulnerable? We’re being told it’s “unlikely” there’ll be another locked-down Christmas – but is that too difficult a prediction to make? Is it time to mask up again?

Parliament is back for its last sitting fortnight of the year – will the government’s long-promised integrity commission bill finally get over the line? The Senate has pushed back on parts of the industrial relations bill – what compromises will Labor have to make before it passes?

And Victorians go to the polls this weekend in what’s widely being seen as a referendum on Premier Dan Andrews – will the nation’s longest-serving leader win a third term? Many of his campaign promises are aimed at women – will it be enough to win the female vote? And is it too late to assuage anger over the state’s harsh lockdowns?

Panellists:
Elly Desmarchelier, Disability Rights Campaigner;
Bill Shorten, Minister for the NDIS and Government Services;
Stuart Robert, Shadow Assistant Treasurer and Shadow Minister for Financial Services;
Jordon Steele-John, Greens Senator for WA;
Amy Auster, Chief Economist and Insights Officer, PwC Australia.

Thursday, November 24 at 8.30pm AEDT.