The Great Debate 2026: That Australian Politics is Alive and Well

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The Great Debate is back for its fourth big year!

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, co-director of the 50/50 by 2030 Foundation at the University of Canberra,
  • 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, Head of School of Law, Society and Criminology 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 Hurlestone 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”.

Event Details:

Thursday 17 September

Great Student Debate 4.00PM | Refreshments Hour 5.00PM |Great Debate 6.00PM

National Library of Australia, Parkes Pl W, Canberra

Tickets: General admission $20 | Concession $10

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.

Events Details

Event Start Date
September 17, 2026
Event Time
4.00Pm - 7.00PM
Event End Time
7.00PM
Venue
National Library of Australia, Parkes Pl W Canberra, Australian Capital Territory 2600 Australia
Admission
$20/ $10 concession
Contact Person
Cindy Bin Tahal
Contact Person’s Position
Education Director
Email
info@socialsciences.org.au