Q+A S2023E23 - Robodebt, Rate Hikes and a Fair Go

This week on Q+A… housing stoush… the PM has raised the stakes in his battle with the Greens over the stalled $10 billion Housing Australia Future Fund, with the bill set to be reintroduced to parliament when it returns after the winter break. Anthony Albanese says it's "absurd" that the Greens are blocking the legislation – but will they step back from their demands and pass the contentious bill?

The fresh battle comes as millions of Australians wait nervously for the Reserve Bank's interest rate decision, with economists split on whether we're in for another rise. Inflation has come in lower than expected, but will that mean a reprieve for households struggling to cope?

The Treasurer is forecasting a record surplus of $20 billion … so will this lead to any more cost-of-living relief? The Coalition and the Greens have very different opinions on how the government should spend the windfall. Where do you think the money should go?

Meanwhile, the news isn't getting better for renters competing to put a roof over their heads. With rental price rises at their highest level for more than a decade, a new study reveals that many younger Australians will be forever locked out of home ownership. How do we solve the housing crisis?
And as the fallout from the devastating tax leaks scandal continues, will PwC's disgrace lead to any real change? Or will one of the other big four consulting firms take advantage of its rival's downfall?

Joining Patricia Karvelas on the panel live in Melbourne:

Luke McGregor, Writer, actor & comedian
Katy Gallagher, Minister for Finance & Minister for Women
Dean Smith, Liberal Senator for WA
Barbara Pocock, Greens Senator for SA
Jahin Tanvir, CEO, Australian School of Entrepreneurship