Debate & Critical Thinking

Twenty teenagers stood up in NSW Parliament and delivered private member statements on twenty different, independently researched issues — no speechwriters, no party line. What stood out wasn’t the topics. It was the pattern: nearly every “crisis” they raised wasn’t an awareness problem, it was a systems problem. The ask, again and again, was “fund the follow-through,” not “raise awareness.” That’s a sophisticated policy distinction for a room full of teenagers to reach on th

A blog post regarding the unveiling of the hidden threats to democracy and the likelihood of repeating history.

Australia faces complex social and political challenges that demand engaged, informed citizens. One of the most practical ways to prepare the next generation is to support youth debating . Debate programs develop critical thinking, clear communication, and civic responsibility—skills that lift civic capacity and strengthen democracy. Young Australian student presenting at a debate competition Why Backing Young Debaters Builds Australia’s Civic Capacity Australia faces complex