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Media Release
WORLD CHAMPION TEAM MAKES IT THREE IN A ROW
February 25, 2005-MIN 02/05
Five Australian students made history on Saturday after winning a third consecutive World Schools Debating Championships title in Canada.
Parliamentary Secretary for Education Pat Farmer today congratulated the students for their historic achievement.
“I am delighted to hear of the team’s success in Calgary over the past fortnight,” Mr Farmer said.
Australia met England in the Grand Final and affirmed the topic, “This House believes that the permanent members of the U.N. Security Council should not have veto power."
“The team debated with conviction on such a complex topic,” Mr Farmer said.
“Debating allows students to tackle difficult issues on social, environmental and economic policy and the Australian Government in conjunction with the Department of Education, Science and Training is proud to support the Australian Schools’ Debating Team,” he said.
The five students were Julia Fetherston from Canberra, Jack Wright and Tim Mooney from Sydney, Steve Hind from Brisbane and Sienna Merope from Hobart. Their coach was Sydney-based Philip Senior.
To complete the historic hat trick, Julia Fetherston was named Best Speaker at the tournament, ranking her as the Number 1 School Aged Debater in the World.
The World Schools Debating Championships were founded by Australian Christopher Erskine in 1988. Today more than 32 countries compete in the annual championships.
“Australia’s dominance at the international level demonstrates the communication and critical thinking skills that are fostered in our schools every day. It is a marvellous achievement,” Mr Farmer said.
Media Contact:
Mr Farmer’s Office: Meghan Chalmers 0421 588 086
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