The Great Debate: Australian Politics is alive and well

Schedule

Thu Sep 17 2026 at 04:00 pm to 05:00 pm

UTC+10:00
Location

National Library of Australia | Canberra, CT

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A Social Sciences Week special event

Thursday 17 September

Student Debate 4:00pm | Refreshments Hour 5:00pm

The Great Debate 6:00pm

NATIONAL LIBRARY OF AUSTRALIA

Join us for an evening of compelling debate as six of Australia's premier academics argue for and against the state of Australian politics.

Arguing for the affirmative are:

  • Professor Anika Gauja, Pro-Vice Chancellor, Research at the University of Technology Sydney,
  • Thomas Mayo, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander author, orator and justice advocate, and assistant National Secretary of the Maritime Union of Australia,
  • Professor Graeme Orr, expert on electoral law at the University of Queensland.

For the negative, the team includes:

  • Professor Kim Rubenstein, Adjunct Professor at the University of Canberra and the University of Technology Sydney and an Honorary Professor at The Australian National University,
  • Professor Andrea Carson, expert on political communication and Director of the The Centre for Advancing Journalism at the University of Melbourne,
  • Professor Lyria Bennett-Moses, at UNSW.

But wait! There’s more!

For the third year running, the Great Student Debate will take place before the Great Debate, featuring speakers from Lakeland State High School in Western Australia and Hurlstone Agricultural High School in New South Wales. Tickets include entry to the student debate. Come early to support the next crop of engaged citizens as they go head-to-head on the topic that “Australian politics is alive and well”.

Don't miss this thought-provoking event, 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 promises an evening that will challenge your perspectives and ignite your curiosity.

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Where is it happening?

National Library of Australia, Parkes Pl W, Canberra ACT 2600, Australia, Canberra

Event Location & Nearby Stays:

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Academy of the Social Sciences in Australia
Host or PublisherAcademy of the Social Sciences in Australia

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