Q+A S2023E37 - Humanitarian Aid, Health and Harm Reduction

This week on Q+A we cover the big issues, including health, equality and the worsening humanitarian crisis in the Middle East. As the situation in Gaza deteriorates and Israel steps up its response against Hamas, there are increased calls for humanitarian pauses to the conflict. Will the increasing international pressure have any effect?

Médecins Sans Frontières is among those calling for a ceasefire, as doctors struggle to treat the injured with limited medical equipment or anaesthetic. Aid convoys have kept up a limited delivery of much-needed supplies, but they are far short of the growing demands. What does this mean for a civilian population already at the brink?

Here at home, the government is grappling with the issue of vaping, amid reports that it's reaching epidemic levels among young people. It's a looming health catastrophe, but how effective will regulation be with a thriving black market?

And a long-awaited increase to the bulk-billing incentive has begun, but will it lead to better access to fee-free GP visits for some of the nation's most vulnerable?

Joining Patricia Karvelas on the panel live in Sydney:

Mark Butler, Minister for Health & Aged Care
Dai Le, Independent MP for Fowler
Keith Wolahan, Liberal Member for Menzies
Jennifer Tierney, Executive Director, Médecins Sans Frontières Australia
Matilda Boseley, Journalist, Guardian Australia