THE experience of being in a live audience for ABC's Q&A program was one several Southern Downs residents couldn't turn down.

More than a dozen locals travelled to Toowoomba to be part of the live audience - and they weren't left disappointed.

In a debate filled with cheering, honest answers, fiery debate, grand standing and political point scoring, the panel talked everything from CSG to medicinal cannabis.

Toowoomba Mayor Paul Antonio and singer Katie Noonan were among the standards, according to Warwick viewers.

Among the local audience members was Kathy Payne from Condamine Assist.

She was pleased CSG was talked about in-depth, and remains hopeful of legislative change.

But it was the issue of medicinal cannabis that had the Freestone resident most passionate.

Mrs Payne expressed disappointment in Rural Health Minister Fiona Nash's lack of understanding about the need for legalising medicinal cannabis.

"It was obvious she did not know or care about the government red tape that makes it impossible to access this product," she said.

"To suggest that the federal government has done a great thing by allowing the growing, production and distribution to happen by 2018 is a cop out."

For Community Network of Warwick co-founder Julia Keogh, it's not her first live Q&A - but she was equally impressed.

"What an impressive turnout by the Southern Downs community," she said.

"Questions from the floor provided an interesting array of responses from the panel, with the Toowoomba Mayor speaking with true heart regarding his regions focus on creating an inclusive community.

"Katie Noonan was on point, her performance at the end of the evening a fitting tribute to George Bender."

If you missed Monday night's episode, you can catch up on ABC's iView.

IN RESPONSE to this story, Minister Nash's office has requested the link to the following factcheck be included to confirm statements made during the Q&A program: http://theconversation.com/factcheck-qanda-can-medicinal-cannabis-oil-be-imported-into-australia-49809