Audience members were treated to a fun night recently at the Great Debate 2026: That Australian politics is alive and well, presented by the Academy of Social Sciences and the National Library of Australia. Members of both teams presented very laudable and well-prosecuted arguments, making it what looked like a tight contest, though at times, each side did seem to lapse into each other’s arguments. Participants nevertheless showed their thespian skills, and the event was a reminder of the entertaining, educational and worthwhile events available at Canberra institutions. An earlier debate at the NLA featured students from Western Australia’s Lakeland State High School and Hurlstone Agricultural High School, New South Wales, where fine debating skills were also on display. For information, visit the NLA website.
