This week on Q+A… a grubby week in politics as parliament's toxic environment is again in the spotlight. Amid fresh abuse claims, a party room banishment and relentless questions in the senate about transparency and whether a minister misled parliament – it seems the much-vaunted culture change in Canberra is little but a distant memory. Is this just the new political normal?

Meanwhile… the NDIS, 10 years on. The revolutionary scheme changed the lives of millions of Australians living with disability – but a decade later, how well is it working for those who need it most? Amid criticisms of cost blowouts and dodgy providers, what will it take to make the program sustainable for the long term – and ensure it provides the critical support participants rely on?

The government insists it can find $74 billion in savings from the NDIS over the next 10 years while "improving the participant experience", but with a major review of the scheme not due to hand down its findings until October – is Labor acting too hastily?

And just what is the issue with drag storytime? Councils are being forced to shut down the reading events at libraries amid fears they'll be targeted by far-right activists. Drag artist Reuben Kaye – who faced a public backlash over a controversial joke earlier this year – says the increasingly vitriolic debate is a distraction, but a negative one that has real-life impacts. So where to from here?

Joining Patricia Karvelas on the panel live in Melbourne:

Bill Shorten, Minister for NDIS and Government Services
Bridget McKenzie, Nationals Senate Leader
Reuben Kaye, Comedian, singer and writer 
Monique Ryan, Independent member for Kooyong
Sam Connor, Disability Rights Advocate

This week on Q+A… housing stoush… the PM has raised the stakes in his battle with the Greens over the stalled $10 billion Housing Australia Future Fund, with the bill set to be reintroduced to parliament when it returns after the winter break. Anthony Albanese says it's "absurd" that the Greens are blocking the legislation – but will they step back from their demands and pass the contentious bill?

The fresh battle comes as millions of Australians wait nervously for the Reserve Bank's interest rate decision, with economists split on whether we're in for another rise. Inflation has come in lower than expected, but will that mean a reprieve for households struggling to cope?

The Treasurer is forecasting a record surplus of $20 billion … so will this lead to any more cost-of-living relief? The Coalition and the Greens have very different opinions on how the government should spend the windfall. Where do you think the money should go?

Meanwhile, the news isn't getting better for renters competing to put a roof over their heads. With rental price rises at their highest level for more than a decade, a new study reveals that many younger Australians will be forever locked out of home ownership. How do we solve the housing crisis?
And as the fallout from the devastating tax leaks scandal continues, will PwC's disgrace lead to any real change? Or will one of the other big four consulting firms take advantage of its rival's downfall?

Joining Patricia Karvelas on the panel live in Melbourne:

Luke McGregor, Writer, actor & comedian
Katy Gallagher, Minister for Finance & Minister for Women
Dean Smith, Liberal Senator for WA
Barbara Pocock, Greens Senator for SA
Jahin Tanvir, CEO, Australian School of Entrepreneurship