The Tasmanian Debating Union is Tasmania's premier debating organisation for schools level competition, training and development. The TDU was founded in 1981 and is the sole Tasmanian affiliate of the Australian Debating Federation.
The TDU organises and conducts schools competitions for all levels of secondary education in southern Tasmania, and works with partners in the north of the state and the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association to conduct an annual statewide tournament.
The TDU also undertakes training and development of debaters and adjudicators across the state, and each year selects a team to represent Tasmania at the Australian Debating Championships.
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Want to represent Tasmania in debating on the national stage? Registrations are now open for trials for the 2025 State Debating Team, who will travel to the National Schools Debating Championships in May or June this year. All interested students who will be enrolled in secondary education in 2025 are welcome and encouraged to attend.
Trials will be held on 25 January, in person at a venue in Hobart, and on 26 January, online. In order to be eligible for selection to the team, you must attend one (and preferably both) of these sessions, and must also attend the TDU's Debate Camp from 18-21 January, unless there is a genuine reason you are unable to do so.
Register here, or contact Charlie Pilkington at chiefadjudicator@tdu.org.au or Kathryn Ellis at president@tdu.org.au or on 0488 469 161 with any questions.
Registrations are now open for our summer Debate Camp, to be held from 18-21 January at Orana Guide Camp in Roches Beach.
Debate Camp is designed to help students develop skills that will enable them to succeed as thinkers, speakers and debaters. Taking place over the course of three and a half days, the camp's schedule will include knowledge workshops, skills exercises, several formal debates, and, of course, plenty of fun.
Attendance is open to all students entering grades 10-12 in 2025; previous experience with debating is not required. Because Debate Camp is a residential event the cost of participation is $150, but financial assistance is available to cover all or part of this fee as needed. Attendance at Debate Camp is compulsory for students wishing to be considered for selection to the 2025 State Debating Team.
Registration is conducted online, through this form. Please contact Charlie Pilkington at chiefadjudicator@tdu.org.au or Kathryn Ellis at president@tdu.org.au or on 0488 469 161 with any questions.