NSW Premier's Debating Challenge finals videos – secondary

This is the final of the Years 11 and 12 age division, held in the Great Hall of the University of Sydney on Friday 16 August 2024, between Newtown High School of the Performing Arts and Kirrawee High School. The speaking time is 8 minutes (with a warning bell at 6 minutes), and the topic of the debate is ‘That the Olympic games should always remain politically neutral.’ Congratulations to both teams and all the students and teachers who participated in the 2024 competition.
1st affirmative – 0:03:30
1st negative – 0:10:42
2nd affirmative – 0:20:10
2nd negative –0:28:08
3rd affirmative – 0:36:36
3rd negative – 0:45:53
Adjudication – 0:56:00

Enjoy the lively debate of this live-streamed final from the Great Hall University of Sydney on 1 August 2023 for the Hume Barbour trophy. This debate is between Cammeraygal High School and Sydney Girls High School.

This is the final of the Years 9 and 10 age division of the challenge, which was held in the Theatre Royal in Sydney on Monday 13 November 2023. With 325 other teams eliminated the teams from North Sydney Girls High School and newcomers Lindfield Learning Village reached this final. The speaking time is 8 minutes (with a warning bell at 6 minutes) and the topic of the debate is ‘That we should exclude smokers from the public healthcare system'. Congratulations to both teams and to all the speakers and teachers across NSW who took part in 2023.

After 342 teams competed in over 550 debates across the year, the final 10 standing headed to a 3-day tournament tournament hosted by The Women’s College of the University of Sydney from Wednesday 6 to Friday 8 December. Following 5 rounds of debating and 2 semi-finals the teams from Narara Valley High School and Byron Bay High School reached this state final debate. The speaking time is 6 minutes (with a warning bell at 4 minutes) and the topic of the debate is ‘That students who receive unsatisfactory reports should have to do extra classes over the holidays.’ Congratulations to both teams and to all the speakers and teachers who made 2023 such a success.

This is the final held in the Great Hall of the University of Sydney on Friday 5 August 2022 between Rose Bay Secondary College and Sydney Girls High School. The topic of the debate is ‘That we should stop having a prime minister.’ Congratulations to both teams and to all the students and teachers who committed to debating in their senior years and made this competition such a success.

1st Affirmative – 0:05:46
1st Negative – 0:10:09
2nd Affirmative – 0:18:38
2nd Negative – 0:25:25
3rd Affirmative - 0:34:30
3rd Negative – 0:41:16
Adjudication – 0:50:30

The final of the Years 9 and 10 age division of the challenge took place on Monday, November 7 2022, in the Telstra Theatre in Sydney. James Ruse Agricultural High School and Sydney Girls High School were the 2 teams that made it to the final out of a total of 284 competing teams. The speaking time for the debate was 8 minutes, with a warning bell at 6 minutes. The topic of the debate is ‘That Australia should ban cosmetic surgery.’ Congratulations to both teams and those who contributed to the competition's success in 2022.

1st affirmative – 0:03:55
1st negative – 0:11:34
2nd affirmative – 0:20:44
2nd negative – 0:29:22
3rd affirmative – 0:38:40
3rd negative – 0:47:36
Adjudication – 0:56:57

313 teams across the state entered the Years 7 and 8 challenge in 2022, with just 10 of them winning their way to a state championships tournament held at The Women’s College of the University of Sydney from Wednesday 7 to Friday 9 December. Following 5 rounds of debating and 2 semi-finals the teams from Bellingen High School and James Ruse Agricultural High School reached this state final debate. The speaking time is 6 minutes (with a warning bell at 4 minutes) and the topic of the debate is ‘That the Australian government should block all online gaming sites and apps on weekdays.’ Congratulations to both teams and to everyone who competed in 2022. 

1st Affirmative – 0:01:45
1st Negative – 0:06:10
2nd Affirmative – 0:13:23
2nd Negative – 0:20:35
3rd Affirmative – 0:26:56
3rd Negative – 0:34:00
Adjudication – 0:41:11

Each year the different regions across NSW select a squad of their best Years 9 and 10 debaters to represent them at these championships which are held over 3 days at the Women’s College of the University of Sydney. Each team debates five times on a series of unseen topics for which they have only one-hour of unassisted preparation time. Following those rounds and two semi-final debates, the Western Sydney region and the Sydney region made it through to this grand final. The speaking time is 8 minutes (with a warning bell at 6 minutes) and the topic of the debate is ‘That Australia should have a four-day working week.’ Congratulations to all the students on being selected to represent their region, and thanks to all the teachers who helped along the way!

This is the final of the Years 11 and 12 age division which was held over Zoom on Friday 17 September 2021 between Smiths Hill High School and Sydney Girls High School. The speaking time is 8 minutes (with a warning bell at 6 minutes) and the topic of the debate is 'That employers should be allowed to fire unvaccinated employees.'

Congratulations to both teams and to all the students and teachers who juggled various schools commitments through the 2021 COVID-19 lockdown to help keep this competition running to such a smashing conclusion!

For over 6.5 hours on Wednesday 17 November 2021, 38 speakers from across NSW debated over banning sports gambling, with each speaker Zooming in, listening to the speaker before them, and then delivering their rebuttal and speech while the next speaker listened and so on.

The 8 best speakers were chosen to go into a traditional quarterfinals series, through which Smiths Hill High School and Sydney Boys High School qualified for this grand final. The topic is 'That we should introduce a mandatory retirement age for teachers.'

Congratulations to these 2 schools and everyone who made that incredibly long day of debating so much fun!

Years 7 and 8 students from Rose Bay Secondary College and Smiths Hill High School qualified for the grand final of the World's Biggest Debate, conducted online. The topic was 'That the government should censor misleading information on social media during a pandemic.'

Congratulations to both of these schools and everyone that participated in this event.

This is the final of the Year 11 age division which was held over Zoom on Thursday 3 December 2020 between Sydney Boys High School and Sydney Girls High School. In response to a debating season shortened by COVID-19 the Year 11 division was opened up to all government schools in NSW, with 54 teams taking part in a state-wide modified knockout competition (teams losing in the first round had the opportunity to join a repechage draw and return to the main knockouts as the fourth semi-finalist). The speaking time is 8 minutes with a warning bell at 6 minutes.

The topic of the debate is 'That the government should impose financial penalties on people who refuse to take the COVID-19 vaccine.'

Congratulations to both teams and to all the students and teachers who took part in 2020.

This is the final of the Years 9 and 10 age division of the challenge, which was held over Zoom on Wednesday 9 December 2020. In response to a debating season shortened by COVID-19, this year the 198 teams entered participated in a state-wide modified knockout competition, with teams losing in the first round having the opportunity to join a repechage draw and return to the main knockouts as the eighth quarter-finalist.

In the end it was Cammeraygal High School and James Ruse Agricultural High School who reached this state final. The speaking time is 8 minutes with a warning bell at 6 minutes.

The topic of the debate is 'That parents should be able to withdraw their children from sex education classes.'

Congratulations to both teams and to everyone who competed in 2020.

This is the final of the Years 7 and 8 division of the challenge, which was held over Zoom on Thursday 10 December 2020. After three zone round-robin debates and five state-wide knockout finals, these teams from Armidale Secondary College and Callaghan College Waratah Campus (in Newcastle) reached this state championship debate. The speaking time is 6 minutes with a warning bell at 4 minutes.

The topic of the debate is 'That Australia should boycott the 2022 Winter Olympic Games in Beijing.'

Congratulations to both teams and a massive thanks to all the teachers and students in the 234 teams who worked so hard to make the 2020 competition a roaring success in the midst of a pandemic.

The Years 11 and 12 Premier's Debating Challenge is the oldest competition of its kind in NSW. It began in 1930 with the generous donation of the trophy by Miss Hume-Barbour, a descendant of Hume the explorer. Initially only boys’ schools in the metropolitan area were eligible to enter, but from 2001 the competition became statewide.

The competition, which is open to senior students in government schools, takes the form of one hour preparation debates with both sides having a choice of three topics. All teams are grouped into zones of four or five schools for the round robin level of the competition and after the zone winners have been determined the competition enters a knock-out phase.

The Year 9 and 10 Debating Challenge, organised by The Arts Unit of the NSW Department of Education, dates back to 1950 when the Teasdale brothers donated a trophy for a debating competition between North Sydney Region Boys Schools. By 1979 the Teasdale Cup had expanded to include schools from Picton in the south to Wyong in the north. In 1982 it became a state-wide competition.

Each year 10 different regions across NSW select a squad of their best Years 9 and 10 debaters to represent them at these championships which are held over three days at the Women’s College of the University of Sydney. Each team debates 5 times on a series of unseen topics for which they have only one-hour of unassisted preparation time. Following those rounds and 2 semi-final debates, the Western Sydney region and the Sydney region made it through to this grand final. The speaking time is 8 minutes (with a warning bell at 6 minutes) and the topic of the debate is 'That we should ban parents from drinking around their children.' Congratulations to all the students on being selected to represent their region, and thanks to everyone who made the tournament so brilliant!

1st Affirmative – 0:00:59
1st Negative – 0:10:01
2nd Affirmative – 0:19:08
2nd Negative – 0:28:13
3rd Affirmative – 0:36:48
3rd Negative – 0:45:58
Adjudication – 0:55:03

This is the final of the open division of the challenge, which was held in the Great Hall of the University of Sydney on Friday 10 August 2018 between teams from Smiths Hill High School in Wollongong and Sydney Boys High School. The speaking time is 8 minutes (with a warning bell at 6 minutes) and the topic of the debate is “That we should stop commemorating wars.” Thanks to the university for hosting the debate in such an amazing venue, and thanks as well to all of the teachers and students in the 145 teams who entered this division in 2018.

1st Affirmative - 0:00:04
1st Negative - 0:09:18
2nd Affirmative - 0:18:39
2nd Negative - 0:28:20
3rd Affirmative - 0:37:45
3rd Negative - 0:47:18
Adjudication - 0:57:12
Panel discussion - 1:02:35

This is the final of the open division of the challenge, which was held in the Great Hall of the University of Sydney on Friday 4 August 2017 between teams from North Sydney Girls High School and Smiths Hill High School (in Wollongong). The speaking time is 8 minutes (with a warning bell at 6 minutes) and the topic of the debate is “That we should have quotas for women in parliament.” Thanks to the university for hosting the debate in such an amazing venue, and thanks as well to all of the teachers and students in the 153 teams who entered this division in 2017.

1st Affirmative - 0:05:27
1st Negative - 0:14:51
2nd Affirmative - 0:23:53
2nd Negative - 0:32:45
3rd Affirmative - 0:41:50
3rd Negative - 0:50:32
Adjudication - 1:02:36

This is the state final of the Years 9 and 10 division of the challenge, which was held on Friday 10 November 2017 in the Everest Theatre of the Seymour Centre – the first time a Premier’s Debating final has been held at the venue. The debate is between teams from Crestwood High School in Western Sydney and Smiths Hill High School in Wollongong. The speaking time is 8 minutes (with a warning bell at 6 minutes) and the topic of the debate is "That non-violent offenders should never be sent to prison." Congratulations to these finalists and thanks to all of the teachers and students in the 391 teams who entered this division in 2017.

1st Affirmative - 0:01:27
1st Negative - 0:08:07
2nd Affirmative - 0:17:21
2nd Negative - 0:26:20
3rd Affirmative - 0:35:27
3rd Negative - 0:44:50
Adjudication - 0:53:56

This is the final of the Years 7&8 division of the challenge, which was held at the end of a three-day tournament at the Women’s College of the University of Sydney. At the end of 5 rounds of debating and two semi-finals, Smiths Hill High School and Kooringal High School progressed to this state final on Friday 1 December. The speaking time is 6 minutes (with a warning bell at 4 minutes) and the topic of the debate is "That we should ban zoos." Congratulations to these finalists and massive thanks to all of the teachers and students who worked hard to make the comp such a success all year.

1st Affirmative - 0:01:30
1st Negative - 0:08:17
2nd Affirmative - 0:15:28
2nd Negative - 0:22:04
3rd Affirmative - 0:29:16
3rd Negative - 0:36:09
Adjudication - 0:43:20

Each year ten different regions across NSW select their best four Years 9&10 debaters to represent them at these championships which are held over three days at the Women’s College of the University of Sydney. Each team debates four times on a series of unseen topics for which they have only one-hour of unassisted preparation time. Following those rounds and two semi-final debates, the Northern Sydney region and the Western Sydney region made it through to this grand final. The speaking time is 8 minutes (with a warning bell at 6 minutes) and the topic of the debate is "That the government should pay stay-at-home parents a salary equivalent to the minimum wage." Congratulations to all the students on being selected to represent their region, and thanks to everyone who made the tournament such a success!

1st Affirmative - 0:01:20
1st Negative - 0:09:39
2nd Affirmative - 0:18:53
2nd Negative - 0:28:03
3rd Affirmative - 0:36:48
3rd Negative - 0:46:04
Adjudication - 0:55:17

This is the final of the open division of the challenge, which was held in the Great Hall of the University of Sydney on Friday 5 August 2016 between teams from Northern Beaches Secondary College Manly Campus and Sydney Girls High School. The speaking time is 8 minutes (with a warning bell at 6 minutes) and the topic of the debate is "That facebook should proactively suppress extremist comment." Thanks to the university for hosting the final, and to all of the teachers and students in the 161 teams who entered this division in 2016.

1st Affirmative - 0:04:50
1st Negative - 0:14:06
2nd Affirmative - 0:23:16
2nd Negative - 0:32:35
3rd Affirmative - 0:41:46
3rd Negative - 0:51:07
Adjudication - 1:00:34

This is the final of the Years 9 and 10 division of the challenge, which was held in the William Wilkins Gallery of the Department of Education's Bridge Street offices on Friday 11 November 2016 between teams from Merewether High School and Sydney Girls High School. The speaking time is 8 minutes (with a warning bell at 6 minutes) and the topic of the debate is " That citizens should get to vote directly on important social changes alongside federal elections." Congratulations to these finalists and thanks to all of the teachers and students in the 384 teams who entered this division in 2016.

1st Affirmative - 0:03:19
1st Negative - 0:10:33
2nd Affirmative - 0:19:48
2nd Negative - 0:25:15
3rd Affirmative - 0:34:04
3rd Negative - 0:43:19
Adjudication - 0:52:26

This is the final of the Years 7 and 8 division of the challenge, which was held at the end of a three-day tournament at the Women’s College of the University of Sydney. At the end of 5 rounds of debating and two semi-finals, Merewether High School and Fort Street High School progressed to this state final on Friday 2 December. The speaking time is 6 minutes (with a warning bell at 4 minutes) and the topic of the debate is "That we should ban parents from smacking their kids." Congratulations to these finalists and thanks to all of the teachers and students who entered in 2016.

1st Affirmative - 0:02:01
1st Negative - 0:08:34
2nd Affirmative - 0:14:04
2nd Negative - 0:21:24
3rd Affirmative - 0:28:37
3rd Negative - 0:35:58
Adjudication - 0:43:15

Each year ten different regions across NSW select their best four Years 9 and 10 debaters to represent them at these championships which are held over three days at the Women’s College of the University of Sydney. Each team debates four times on a series of unseen topics for which they have only one-hour of unassisted preparation time. Following those rounds and two semi-final debates, Sydney region and the Riverina region made it through to this grand final. The speaking time is 8 minutes (with a warning bell at 6 minutes) and the topic of the debate is "That we should ban sports betting." Congratulations to all the students on being selected to represent their region, and thanks to everyone who made the tournament such a success this year!

1st Affirmative - 0:01:42
1st Negative - 0:11:00
2nd Affirmative - 0:19:56
2nd Negative - 0:29:12
3rd Affirmative - 0:36:36
3rd Negative - 0:45:52
Adjudication - 0:55:06

This is the final of the open division of the challenge, which was held at in the Great Hall of the University of Sydney on Friday 7 August 2015 between teams from North Sydney Boys High School and Sydney Boys High School. The speaking time is 8 minutes (with a warning bell at 6 minutes) and the topic of the debate is "That we should offer incentives to individuals to live in high density housing." Thanks to the university for hosting the final, and to all of the teachers and students in the 166 teams who entered this division in 2015.

1st Affirmative - 0:04:40
1st Negative - 0:13:16
2nd Affirmative - 0:23:09
2nd Negative - 0:31:40
3rd Affirmative - 0:40:36
3rd Negative - 0:50:10
Adjudication - 0:58:30

This is the final of the Years 9&10 division of the challenge, which was held in the William Wilkins Gallery of the Department of Education's Bridge Street offices on Friday 6 November 2015 between teams from Killara High School and Sydney Boys High School. The speaking time is 8 minutes (with a warning bell at 6 minutes) and the topic of the debate is "That we should ban weight-loss television shows." Congratulations to these finalists and thanks to all of the teachers and students in the 394 teams who entered this division in 2015.

1st Affirmative - 0:02:56
1st Negative - 0:09:19
2nd Affirmative - 0:18:40
2nd Negative - 0:25:53
3rd Affirmative - 0:35:03
3rd Negative - 0:44:12
Adjudication - 0:53:44

This is the final of the Years 7 and 8 division of the challenge, which was held at the end of a three-day tournament at the Women’s College of the University of Sydney on Friday 4 December 2015 between teams from the Northern Beaches Secondary College Manly Campus and Sydney Girls High School. The speaking time is 6 minutes (with a warning bell at 4 minutes) and the topic of the debate is "That we should ban the advertising of unhealthy products." Congratulations to these finalists and thanks to all of the teachers and students in the 419 teams who entered this division in 2015.

1st Affirmative - 0:00:26
1st Negative - 0:07:39
2nd Affirmative - 0:14:52
2nd Negative - 0:22:03
3rd Affirmative - 0:28:29
3rd Negative - 0:35:42
Adjudication - 0:42:59

Each year ten different regions across NSW select their best four Years 9 and 10 debaters to represent them at this championships which is held over three days in December at the Women’s College of the University of Sydney. Each team debates four times on a series of unseen topics for which they have only one-hour of unassisted preparation time. Following those rounds and two semi-final debates, Western Sydney and Sydney made it through to this grand final. The speaking time is 8 minutes (with a warning bell at 6 minutes) and the topic of the debate is "That we should ban religious schools." Congratulations to all the students who made the tournament such a success this year!

1st Affirmative - 0:00:25
1st Negative - 0:08:54
2nd Affirmative - 0:18:07
2nd Negative - 0:27:17
3rd Affirmative - 0:36:28
3rd Negative - 0:45:42
Adjudication - 0:55:00

Each year ten different regions across NSW select a squad of their best Years 9 and 10 debaters to represent them at these championships which are held over three days at the Women’s College of the University of Sydney. Each team debates five times on a series of unseen topics for which they have only one-hour of unassisted preparation time. Following those rounds and two semi-final debates, the North Coast region and the Northern Sydney region made it through to this grand final. The speaking time is 8 minutes (with a warning bell at 6 minutes) and the topic of the debate is "That parents should be prevented from removing their children from sex education classes." Congratulations to all the students on being selected to represent their region, and thanks to everyone who made the tournament so brilliant!

1st Affirmative - 0:00:54
1st Negative - 0:05:48
2nd Affirmative - 0:11:36
2nd Negative - 0:19:50
3rd Affirmative - 0:28:34
3rd Negative - 0:37:15
Adjudication - 0:46:50