Former prime minister Paul Keating has likened ABC TV's Q&A program to the Punch and Judy show, saying he wouldn't be seen dead on it.

Fronting a Brisbane audience to promote his new book last night, Mr Keating said Q&A sometimes had reasonable panellists but often featured a "ragtag" bunch.

'A Punch and Judy show' ... former prime minister Paul Keating says he wouldn't be caught dead on the ABC's Q&A program. Credit:Nic Walker

Mr Keating questioned whether government ministers should even participate in the weekly current affairs-focused show fronted by Tony Jones, saying they sometimes shared a stage with people "of no note whatsoever".

"I wouldn't be caught dead on it," Mr Keating said.