A Russian Perspective | Q+A

How do we look at ’both sides’ of this conflict, without diminishing the magnitude of what’s happening on the ground in Ukraine? Subscribe for full episodes and weekly uploads: Panellists: Dennis Richardson, Former Director-General of ASIO; Deborah Snow, Senior writer, Sydney Morning Herald and former Moscow correspondent; Jason Falinski, NSW Liberal MP; Brendan O’Connor, Shadow Minister for Defence; and Olga Boichak, Lecturer in Digital Cultures, University of Sydney. This episode was broadcast on Thursday March 3, 2022. The point of Q A is to bring together people with a range of widely divergent views and create a forum where they can have a civil and productive discussion despite their differences. Controversial opinions are inevitable, but they are also challenged by the host, panellists and audience. Sasha Gillies-Lekakis did not ask the question that he had agreed and what he said instead contained major inaccuracies. He was asked to finish his question and the issue was aired in the panel discussion. As the program developed, Stan Grant, a highly experienced presenter of live TV, was aware that other audience members were distressed. After careful consideration he decided the best course of action was for Mr Gillies-Lekakis to leave the studio, which was live-to-air. The ABC fully supports his judgment and handling of this situation. For more from Q A, click here: Follow us on Twitter: Like us on Facebook: Q A is a television discussion program that focuses mostly on politics but ranges across all of the big issues that set Australians thinking, talking and debating. It is driven by interaction: Q A provides a rare opportunity for Australian citizens to directly question and hold to account politicians and key opinion leaders in a national public forum and Q A is broadcast live so that not only the studio audience but also the wider audience can get involved. We aim to create a discussion that is constructive, that reflects a diverse range of views and that provides a safe environment where people can respectfully discuss their differences. It’s impossible to represent every view on a single panel or in one audience but we’re committed to giving participants a fair go. In order to be as inclusive and diverse as possible, the program is presented from a range of locations around the country and all Australians are encouraged to get involved through social media as well as by joining the audience. This is an official Australian Broadcasting Corporation YouTube channel.