This week on Q+A, we head to western Sydney to tackle the issues that are hitting households right across Australia’s suburban heartland. From the cost-of-living crisis to educational opportunities and the rental squeeze – we’ll discuss the issues that are impacting people’s lives and livelihoods around the country.

We’ll also delve into the week in politics and a scathing report that uncovered systemic bullying and widespread sexual harassment in the NSW parliament. Catherine Cusack quit the NSW Liberal party last week, describing the culture as “toxic” and joins our panel. And federal politics has been rocked by revelations that Scott Morrison secretly swore himself into additional portfolios while he was PM.

As the flood recovery continues, what do those left to pick up the pieces still need to get their lives back on track? Just how well-prepared are we for the next major weather event and are our emergency services equipped to handle future disasters? 

A thriving multicultural centre, western Sydney is a microcosm of Australia. But are the opportunities available to all or do some sections of the community miss out? And how can education empower the next generation to find their voices and possibly the answers to some of the biggest problems facing society?

And is multitasking a myth? We’ll have international bestselling author Johann Hari on the panel, explaining why our ever-shorter attention spans may not be our fault.

Joining Stan Grant on the panel:

Johann Hari, Author, Stolen Focus: Why You Can't Pay Attention
Murray Watt, Minister for Emergency Management and Agriculture
Catherine Cusack, Former NSW Liberal Member of the Legislative Council
Winnie Dunn, General Manager, Sweatshop Literacy Movement
Blak Douglas, Archibald Prize-winning artist and musician

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

Scroll down to watch Thursday's toughest question asked by Sulin Ho, who wanted to know about the escalation of tensions in the Asia Pacific. 👇

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