Q+A S2023E31 - Power, Politics & Persuasion

This week on Q+A… power and influence – who has it, who wields it and how it's used to make change. As Rupert Murdoch announces he's stepping down as chair of Fox and News Corp, handing the reins to son Lachlan – we'll look at the media mogul's impact over a seven-decade career. The Australian-born billionaire is often credited with making and breaking governments – so where next for his empire?

Meanwhile, the federal government is set to hold an inquiry into the COVID-19 response, but the PM is already under fire for excluding state and territory decisions from the investigation. Australians saw the extraordinary power exercised by the states during the pandemic – but without examining lockdowns and border closures, will the inquiry go far enough?

And as referendum day on a Voice to Parliament approaches, the debate is heating up. Both Yes and No camps are putting their message to Australians – how effective are their campaigns?

Joining Patricia Karvelas on the panel live in Melbourne:

Madeleine West, Author & Child Protection Advocate
Peter Khalil, Chair of the Joint Parliamentary Committee on Intelligence & Security
Paul Scarr, Liberal Senator for Queensland
Larissa Baldwin-Roberts, CEO, GetUp
Tom Elliott, Broadcaster & 3AW Drive Host