This competition began in 1998 with the support of the Centenary of Federation. The competition has always emphasised the ability of students to research a particular area. In the first
few years, these areas were predominantly Australian history and civics.
Since 2001 topics have covered a wide range of contemporary issues of relevance to junior secondary students. The ten successful regional teams attend a three day Championships camp at The Women's College, University of Sydney, including workshops with some of the state's most experienced adjudicators.
Applications for participation in the 2009 Premier's Debating Challenge for Years 7 & 8 have now closed.
Draws for the Round Robin phase of this competition are now available to view and download using links to the right of this page. Details of the latest NSW Public Schools Debating Policy, instructions on reporting results, the rules specific to this competition, contact details for each of the Regional Coordinators and the Chairpersons Script and Results Fax are included with each regional draw. Completion dates and subject areas for this phase of competition are outlined below. Please note that the first round of the Round Robin is due for completion by Friday 26 June 2009.
Enquiries should be directed to Lloyd Cameron, Speaking Competitions Coordinator at The Arts Unit on 02 8512 1172
2 March 2009
2009 Applications Close
9 - 11 December 2009
State Championships
The Women's College, University of Sydney
Hunter/Central Coast [.pdf
129 KB]
Illawarra & South East [.pdf
147 KB]
New England [.pdf
136 KB]
North Coast [.pdf
160 KB]
Northern Sydney [.pdf
163 KB]
Riverina [.pdf
125 KB]
South Western Sydney [.pdf
178 KB]
Sydney [.pdf
171 KB]
Western NSW [.pdf
138 KB]
Western Sydney [.pdf
165 KB]