Q+A S2023E22 - UK Armed Forces Minister joins Q+A

As the cost-of-living crisis bites, cash-strapped Australians are bracing for yet another interest rate hike after stronger-than-expected job figures. It comes as the government names its new Reserve Bank chief… Michele Bullock has some difficult waters to navigate – so how will she tackle Australia's economic woes?

The UK's Minister for Armed Forces is in Australia and joins the panel. AUKUS has been in the spotlight here, but with the Conservative government in Britain under pressure over high inflation, immigration and its merry-go-round of leaders, is it further down the UK's list of priorities?

Meanwhile, the Yes and No camps have laid out their arguments over the Voice to Parliament referendum, but with the nation seemingly divided over the issue, how can we possibly have the respectful debate that many are calling for?

And is it game over for big sporting events? Victoria's bombshell decision to dump the 2026 Commonwealth Games has drawn both scorn and praise, with Premier Dan Andrews saying it's now out of his state's price range. Amid claims that this will damage Victoria's reputation internationally, in the midst of a slowing economy just how much should taxpayers be expected to pay for elite sport competitions?

Joining Patricia Karvelas in Melbourne for all this plus news of the week:

James Heappey, UK Minister for Armed Forces
Rachel Perkins, Filmmaker
Pat Gorman, Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister & Assistant Minister for the Public Service
Barnaby Joyce, Nationals member for New England
Kate Chaney, Independent member for Curtin