Reflecting on Q+A: Iconic Moments from ABC's Influential Show

After 18 years of provoking thought and sparking controversy, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) announced the discontinuation of its flagship program Q+A. The decision was confirmed by ABC’s news director, Justin Stevens, on June 10, 2025, marking the end of a show that has significantly influenced public discourse in Australia since its launch in 2007. Q+A was designed to engage with the public on pressing national issues, featuring a diverse array of guests from politics, academia, and activism.

Throughout its tenure, Q+A has been a platform for memorable and often polarizing moments. One of the most impactful segments occurred in June 2020, when actor Meyne Wyatt delivered a powerful monologue addressing racism during the global Black Lives Matter protests. Wyatt’s remarks, stating, "Silence is violence. Complacency is complicity," resonated deeply with viewers, garnering over three million views and placing him on the Time100 Next list of emerging leaders in 2021. This moment underscored the show's role in amplifying critical social issues, a theme echoed by Dr. Sarah Johnson, a Professor of Sociology at the University of Melbourne, who noted, "Q+A effectively became a stage for societal reflection, challenging viewers to confront uncomfortable truths about race and inequality."

Another unforgettable moment unfolded in 2010 when audience member Peter Gray threw his shoes at former Prime Minister John Howard during a discussion about Australia's involvement in the Iraq War. Gray shouted, "That’s for the Iraqi dead!" echoing the infamous shoe-throwing incident directed at George W. Bush in Baghdad the previous year. This act of protest was emblematic of the show’s unpredictable and often confrontational nature, a sentiment echoed by political analyst Dr. Andrew Smith from the Australian National University, who remarked, "Such moments illustrated the raw emotions surrounding national decisions and the show's ability to capture the public's discontent."

In 2024, former detective Vincent Hurley confronted politicians about the failure to address domestic violence, declaring, "How dare you!" His passionate speech highlighted the program's capacity to bring pressing social issues into the limelight, as noted by Dr. Emily Carter, a criminologist at the University of Queensland. She stated, "Q+A has played a crucial role in giving a voice to those affected by systemic issues, making it a vital part of the national conversation."

Q+A has also faced criticism, becoming the most complained-about ABC program in 2023, with one particular episode on the Gaza conflict receiving nearly 1,000 complaints. Critics accused the show of bias, prompting an investigation by the ABC’s ombudsman, who found that the episode presented polarizing views fairly. This ongoing controversy reflects the challenges faced by broadcasters in navigating politically sensitive topics while striving to maintain journalistic integrity.

As the show concludes, its legacy includes not only the memorable moments but also an acknowledgment of its role in shaping public discourse. The program has successfully engaged audiences on issues ranging from climate change to immigration, making it a cornerstone of Australian political media. In the words of Justin Stevens, "It is time for the broadcaster to rethink how audiences want to interact and to evolve how we can engage with the public to include as many Australians as possible in national conversations."

Looking forward, the end of Q+A invites speculation about the future of political discourse in Australia. As media consumption habits evolve, the challenge remains for new platforms to achieve the same level of engagement and influence that Q+A has held for nearly two decades. While the show may be ending, the conversations it sparked and the issues it highlighted will undoubtedly continue to resonate in the national consciousness. Moving forward, it will be essential for public broadcasters to adapt and innovate in order to remain relevant in an increasingly fragmented media landscape.