This thought-provoking event was packed with engaging discussions and opportunities for audience participation. Proudly presented by the Academy of the Social Sciences in Australia and the National Library of Australia, the Great Debate was an evening that challenged perspectives and ignited curiosity.

Team Affirmative

• Georgina Downer GAICD, CEO of the Robert Menzies Institute
• Professor Jakelin Troy FASSA, Director, Indigenous Research at University of Sydney, and
• Professor Frank Bongiorno AM FASSA, Professor of History at The Australian National University.
   

Team Negative

• Professor Michelle Arrow FASSA, president of the Australian Historical Association
• Vonda Malone, former CEO of the Torres Strait Regional Authority, and first female Mayor of the Torres Shire Council, and
• Professor Dan Woodman FASSA, TR Ashworth Professor in Sociology at the University of Melbourne.
   

PLUS

From 4:00pm we had the Seriously Social Great Student Debate, where students from Western Australia and Central Queensland battled it out for an East vs West showdown. We heard fresh perspectives from the bright minds of tomorrow, then enjoyed refreshments from 5:00pm before the main debate kicked off at 6:00pm.

The Great Student Debate is proudly sponsored by University of Canberra.