This week on Q+A… writing the wrongs of history as literary giant Shehan Karunatilaka joins the panel. This author's most recent work tackles civil war and its impacts in Sri Lanka, so what can this conflict teach us about geopolitics today and the polarisation that is plaguing contemporary societies?

Closer to home, supporters of Julian Assange had been hoping to appeal directly to the US President to stop his country's pursuit of the jailed Wikileaks founder, but those hopes were dashed as Joe Biden's visit was cancelled. Assange's family says his life is in the hands of the Australian government now. What more could politicians do to secure his release?

But while one state visit was cancelled, another was just beginning, with India's Prime Minister here for talks with Anthony Albanese. Narendra Modi is a divisive figure at home and abroad – will Australia tackle the tough issues with him as he faces claims of human rights violations against minority groups in India?

And as signs point towards a rapprochement with China, Australia still has a precarious path to follow – keeping the trade relationship on track while staying strong on defence. So just how difficult a balance is that to strike?

Joining Patricia Karvelas on the panel live in Sydney:

Jen Robinson, International human rights lawyer 
Shehan Karunatilaka, Booker Prize-winning author
James Blackwell, Research Fellow in Indigenous Diplomacy, Australian National University
Tim Watts, Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs
Kevin Hogan, Shadow Minister for Trade & Tourism

This week on Q+A, more pain for households after the Reserve Bank delivered a 12th rate hike in just over a year – taking interest rates to their highest level in 11 years. The bank's governor admits many families will suffer a "painful squeeze", but insists inflation has to be tamed. Just how much more can households bear? And is the cure worse than the disease?

Much of the blame for stubbornly high inflation is being slated home to the lowest-paid workers, after the Fair Work Commission announced an increase in the minimum wage from next month. But according to the OECD, the main culprit is corporate super-profits. Are the most vulnerable paying the price for an unfair system?

Meanwhile, the fallout from the incendiary judgement against Australia's most decorated living soldier Ben Roberts-Smith continues. Should the VC recipient – labelled in court as a liar, murderer and bully – be ordered to hand back his honour? What do his actions in the field mean for diggers at home and serving overseas? Is this case damaging the reputation of our elite soldiers?

And parliament returns for another sitting fortnight as the government's "same job, same pay" workplace law changes are emerging as 2023's big industrial relations brawl. The new laws – designed to ensure labour hire workers are paid the same as employees doing the same job – are being debated as the future housing fund bill nears agreement. Is Labor facing a rough ride for the rest of the year?

Joining Patricia Karvelas on the panel live in Sydney:
 
Sally McManus, ACTU Secretary 
Stephen Jones, Assistant Treasurer and Minister for Financial Services
Keith Wolahan, Liberal member for Menzies 
Thenu Herath, Human Rights Advocate 
Michael Ware, Sky News US contributor