Victorian schools go head to head on economic issues

Current economics topics came under the spotlight during Viewpoint 2009, the Monash Economics Debate when 24 teams from secondary schools in Victoria went head to head over the weekend to determine which eight teams will go through to the next round.

Broad economic issues were open to debate with teams challenging each other on subjects ranging from the exportation of uranium to the ethics and usefulness of the $900 cash hand out (stimulus package) to the pros and cons of free university education.

Professor Russell Smyth, Head of the Department of Economics said he was very pleased with the level of interest in the debate, attended by more than 24 schools as well as teachers and parents. Students worked intensely, competing in the morning and afternoon sessions and many using their lunch break to hone their final arguments.  
Adjudicators for all debates were provided by the Debaters Association of Victoria supported by the Monash Association of Debaters.

The quarter and semi-finals will take place on 10 May. Quarter finalists St Paul’s Anglican Grammar School, St Margaret’s School, Gippsland Grammar School, Lauriston Girls School, Fintona Girls School, Loreto Mandeville Hall and two teams from Scotch College will debate whether the government should use taxes to discourage alcohol consumption.

The semi-finalists will debate whether the government should lift all trade sanctions on North Korea, to determine who will go through to the Grand Final on 28 May 2009 at BMW Edge, Federation Square in Melbourne.

Viewpoint is organised by the Faculty of Business and Economics in conjunction with the Debaters Association of Victoria, supported by the Monash Association of Debaters to heighten awareness of economics issues among secondary school students.

Also see 'Beyond the meltdown: The great economic debate'