This week on Q+A, join author and international cultural icon Roxane Gay and a panel of thinkers to discuss reopening, representation, politics and how to share the stage.

Self-proclaimed ‘bad feminist’ and outspoken social commentator Roxane Gay has returned to Australia to speak at key events about feminism, race and giving a platform to emerging voices.

With Australia’s borders finally open again, we’ll discuss the concept of “Fortress Australia”. Has it left a lasting impact on our international reputation? What are the challenges ahead for tourism, employment, and key business relationships? Do we need disrupters to bring fresh ideas to the fore after such a tumultuous period?

Our great reopening comes as Australians prepare to cast their votes at the upcoming Federal Election. Which voices are being heard in the public domain? And how can we amplify the voices of those who are underrepresented? 

Another key election focus will be the rising cost of living. Some Coalition MPs and state Premiers are calling on the Federal Government to cut the fuel excise, which the Prime Minister is not ruling out. How would that impact our long term economic and national interests? Is it important for Governments to intervene or is there only so much they can do in the face of major events such as floods and the conflict in Ukraine?   

All this, plus the news of the week – join us for an important discussion.

Joining Virginia Trioli on the panel:

Roxane Gay, Writer
Anne Aly, Labor MP for Cowan
Thomas Mayor, Author and advocate
Pru Goward, Former NSW Liberal Minister
With a live performance from Chris Cheney
Full Panel TBC

Please submit a question via our website by 9am Thursday for the chance to ask the panel. 

Scroll down to watch Thursday's toughest question asked by Bethany Langford, who wanted to know why modern feminism is often misunderstood as something that aims to disempower men. 👇

Watch Q+A Thursday at 8.30pm on ABC TV, streamed live 8.30pm AEST on ABC iview or on our website.