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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Registrations are now open for the 2021 Southern Schools Competition. The competition is open to teams from Grades 7-12 from public and independent schools in the greater Hobart region. No previous debating experience is required to participate.
Subject to school hosting capabilities and regulations surrounding COVID-19 in Tasmania, the Schools Competition will return to its standard length of six Rounds in 2021. All Rounds will be conducted in compliance with the TDU's COVID-19 Safety Plan. A draft fixture is available, although this is subject to change.
This year's competition is currently scheduled to start on Wednesday March 10, with registrations open until Friday February 26. The registration process is conducted online, using our online registration form.
An exhibition debate and information evening will be held on Wednesday March 3. Further details about this event will be advertised in the coming days.
The TDU looks forward to welcoming students, coaches and parents back to debating this week. For the health and safety of all participants in debating, our COVID-19 Safety Plan will be in place at all host schools for the remainder of the 2020 Schools Competition. Click here to see the full plan.