Speeches
Wednesday, 29 October 2025
Reception for Debating SA Awards
Rod and I warmly welcome you to Government House for the Debating SA Awards.
As Patron of Debating SA, I am delighted that this group of debaters is receiving recognition for being the best in South Australia.
Congratulations to the 1350 students who participated in debating, including the award winners and runners up.
Like all of you, as a secondary school student, I was an enthusiastic debater.
Through debating I developed self-confidence, discipline and the ability to keep calm under pressure; to think both on my toes and before I speak.
All skills that I have drawn on in my career as a diplomat, adviser, public servant and now, Governor.
I also enjoyed the challenge of mounting an argument so persuasive that even something ridiculous could be accepted, and having a glance at some of this year’s topics, I can see they must have presented an enticing challenge for you.
I can only imagine the creative arguments for topics like:
- Hobby horsing should be an Olympic Sport; or
- Banksy is the Da Vinci of his time.
I note that the topics also span some of the most contentious and incendiary debates of our time.
These are issues and ideas that, as a society, we struggle to debate in calm and constructive ways, sometimes triggering conflict and division.
I thank Debating SA for providing forums for young people to learn how to engage in these debates in reasoned and respectful ways.
Through debating, we learn critical thinking skills and empathy by being exposed to different perspectives when we argue for a position we don’t agree with, and seek to anticipate our opponent’s arguments.
Being able to put yourself in the shoes of others – through a line of argument you may not believe in but can understand – is a skill for life.
Believe me, it’s much easier to negotiate with someone if you understand why they hold the views they do.
We also learn that disagreement can be constructive.
In fact, the ability to express and interrogate opinions and ideas is an essential pillar of our democratic system.
Robust debate is also vital to finding innovative solutions to the complex challenges we face.
Debaters,
I commend you for investing your precious time in this important extra-curricular activity while you are also managing school-work and personal responsibilities.
You have set yourselves up for success by dedicating hours to working within your groups to research topics, build arguments and hone presentation skills.
You have overcome nerves, tough opponents and robust adjudicator feedback to reach this level.
Congratulations to you and your teachers and families who have supported you along the way.
I commend Debating SA and the conscientious adjudicators who give students detailed and constructive feedback.
Thank you for providing this forum where students can experiment with ideas and discover their voices.
I encourage all the debaters to continue to take part in this valuable activity. Through every debate, you build habits of mind that help you become a logical thinker and powerful communicator – rewards that will last a lifetime.
Congratulations once again to this year’s winners, and to all participants!