This week on Q+A… on the eve of Anzac Day, as the nation pauses to reflect on the sacrifice of generations past and present – has the true cost of war been forgotten?
The AUKUS pact is forcing Australians to confront the possibility of conflict, but what does the mythology and veneration of the Anzac spirit mean for how we as a nation imagine war? Are we too flippant about it? Veterans know the price that has to be paid – but are we listening? And what obligation do we have to future generations to avert war?
More turmoil for the Coalition, with a resignation and a front-bench reshuffle. Former Home Affairs Minister Karen Andrews has quit the shadow cabinet, while other changes include high-profile "no" campaigner NT Senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price becoming Shadow Minister for Indigenous Australians. Will the changes be enough to keep party unity? Or will Peter Dutton's leadership come under more pressure?
Meanwhile, Australia's fractured relationship with China has taken a step forward, with tensions easing over the bitter trade dispute about barley – with winemakers now hopeful their trade barriers may be the next to fall.
But there is still scepticism about China's motives – especially in cyberspace, with TikTok banned from government devices amid data security fears. Will the next battleground be virtual with cyber warfare a bigger threat than physical conflict?
Joining Stan Grant on the panel live in Sydney:
Tim Ayres, Assistant Minister for Trade & Manufacturing
Paul Fletcher, Manager of Opposition Business
Taylah Gray, Proud Wiradjuri woman and lawyer
James Brown, Army veteran & CEO of the Space Industry Association
Sophie Howe, Inaugural Future Generations Commissioner for Wales