Q+A S2023E12 - Q+A live from Mildura

This week Q+A hits the road, broadcasting live from Mildura in north-western Victoria. The Murray River city is a long way from Canberra – are politicians prioritising the issues that really matter to those living in the regions?

Health services in Mildura and surrounding areas are stretched to the limit, with more GPs desperately needed and a hospital system at breaking point. But what do towns need right now to help ease the squeeze on resources? And what's the plan for attracting more essential workers to regional centres across Australia?

And where will people choosing to settle in Mildura live? The region is in the grips of a rental crisis, with prices soaring and renters left scrambling to try and secure the few properties available. The cost of living is also biting – as food and fuel eat up more and more of the weekly budget. How are decision-makers tackling these issues?

The community is still recovering from devastating floods just months ago, while recent fish kills signal that all is not right in the river system. In a changing climate, who is looking after the regions?

And as politicians argue over what a Voice to Parliament will mean for regional and remote Indigenous communities – what do First Nations people on the ground actually think of the proposal? Will it make any difference to their lives? Or has trust in politics degraded so badly that the Voice cannot bridge the chasm between talk and action?

All this plus a special live performance from iconic Australian singer John Williamson.

Joining Stan Grant on the panel live in Mildura:

John Williamson, Iconic singer-songwriter
Emma McBride, Assistant Minister for Rural and Regional Health
Michael McCormack, Nationals member for Riverina
Bob Katter, Independent member for Kennedy
Darlene Thomas, CEO of Mallee District Aboriginal Services