Queensland Debating Union Incorporated

The Queensland Debating Union Incorporated (QDU) is the peak body for debating in Queensland, Australia, and is registered as a charity. It operates with the primary purpose of promoting public and personal interest in debating and public speaking within Queensland.

Objectives and Mission

The QDU is established to:

• Promote public and personal interest in debating and public speaking in Queensland.
• Conduct competitions and foster a high standard of debate among organised bodies and teams.
• Encourage and promote debating as an organised activity in Queensland schools.
• Train adjudicators and improve adjudication standards in debating and public speaking.
• Support the standardisation of debating rules used throughout Queensland.
• Affiliate with and support other organisations with similar aims.

These objectives are pursued through various programs and competitions aimed primarily at students from grade 5 to grade 12 across Brisbane, Toowoomba, and other regional areas of the state[1].

Activities and Programs

The QDU organises annual debating competitions involving thousands of students in Queensland schools, reaching over 150 schools and more than 5,000 students in recent years. These competitions provide opportunities for students to develop critical skills such as public speaking, logical argument construction, teamwork, and audience engagement.

In addition to competitions, QDU offers outreach workshops and training programs to support skill development for students and adjudicators alike. The organisation works closely with schools to facilitate debating as an extracurricular activity and provides resources and support to regional affiliates throughout Queensland[1][2].

Affiliations and Representation

QDU is affiliated with the Australian Debating Federation and plays a key role in selecting the Queensland Schools State Team for the annual National Schools Debating Championship. This affiliation underscores its status as the authoritative body for debating in Queensland and its commitment to fostering high standards in the activity[1][4].

Educational Impact

Participation in QDU debating programs helps students build confidence in public speaking, develop their ability to construct well-reasoned arguments, work collaboratively as part of a team, and engage thoughtfully with opposing views. Workshops and an online Academy supplement school-based training, preparing students for competitive debates.

High school debating teams typically participate in a series of rounds each year, with debates held in various schools around greater Brisbane during evenings. The QDU supports these activities through coordination and training, enhancing the debating culture within Queensland schools[4].

Recognition and Status

The Queensland Debating Union Incorporated is officially recognised as a charitable organisation and holds an Australian Business Number (ABN: 26604178100). It maintains a strong presence in Queensland’s educational landscape as the leading body advocating for debating and public speaking[1][3].

This summary describes the Queensland Debating Union Incorporated's role, objectives, and contributions as Queensland’s peak debating organisation dedicated to enriching student debating experiences across the state.

[1] https://www.qdu.org.au/about [2] https://www.acnc.gov.au/charity/charities/a88cca4e-3aaf-e811-a963-000d3ad244fd [3] https://www.acnc.gov.au/charity/charities/a88cca4e-3aaf-e811-a963-000d3ad244fd/documents/28a7dd62-2120-ec11-b6e6-000d3acbbecc [4] https://balmoralshs.eq.edu.au/co-curricular/clubs-and-societies/queensland-debating-union [5] https://www.qdu.org.au