Why Q&A star Hamish Macdonald quit social media for good

Hamish Macdonald has opened up about how some extreme Aussies led to his decision to quit social media altogether.

Hamish Macdonald has spent an entire year asking the tough questions, in one of the hardest years the world has seen - and it has taken a toll.

As the host of Q&A Australia, Macdonald understands that being a political voice means there will be a lot of critics.

While chatting to Stellar, Macdonald explained how he opted out of social media completely.

“I work on a show where you’re bringing together different opinions and viewpoints, and ultimately my job as a journalist is to test those opinions no matter what they are,” the 39-year-old told the publication.

Hamish Macdonald has deleted all social media. Picture: Stellar Magazine

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Macdonald said his role as Q&A through 2020 saw him face a record amount of abuse.

“If you’re someone who sits in the middle of those exchanges in your day job, you end up copping it from every direction. I’ve never had more abuse for the interviews I’ve conducted than I had last year,” he said.

“And the abuse has come from left-wing people who don’t like you asking difficult questions of Dan Andrews, and it’s come from people on the right who don’t like you asking difficult questions of the federal government. I’ve definitely learnt you can’t please everyone.”

Hamish Macdonald took over as host of Q&A. Picture: ABC

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Hamish Macdonald took over from Tony Jones, but he could have never guessed he would be taking over during the chaotic times of bushfires, a global pandemic, economic collapse, racial protests, an insane US presidential election and Australia’s strained relationship with China.

Macdonald credits his relationship with Jacob Fitzroy for helping him get through the past 12 months.

“I wouldn’t have been able to get through some of its challenges without him,” he said.

“He’s someone who’s loving and supportive and tolerant. My work last year has had a big impact on our life and I’m really happy to say that I think we’re in a better place every day. I think you really see the strength of someone when the chips are down. He’s always managed to make things fun and happy, and is also very clear with me when to put the phone down.”

Hamish credits his boyfriend Jacob for getting him through 2020. Picture: Instagram

Read the full interview with Hamish Macdonald in the current issue of Stellar, available in the Sunday Telegraph and Sunday Herald Sun, out Sunday January 24.