The National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER) is partnering with St James Ethics Centre to bring the popular live debate Intelligence Squared Australia (IQ 2) to Adelaide for the first time on Wednesday, 11 July 2012.
This landmark event will see nationally and internationally acclaimed speakers debate the proposition: Having a university degree is grossly overrated at the iconic Adelaide Town Hall.
Speaking for the proposition will be:
- Professor Peter Shergold, Chancellor, University of Western Sydney
- Annabel Crabb, influential political journalist and commentator
- Dr Lynn Arnold AO, Chief Executive Officer, Anglicare SA, and former South Australian Premier
Speaking against the proposition will be:
- Professor David Finegold, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
- Amanda Vanstone, former Australian Federal Minister for Employment, Education, Training and Youth Affairs
The third speaker against the proposition will be confirmed shortly.
St James Ethics Centre Executive Director and debate chair, Dr Simon Longstaff welcomed this opportunity to bring IQ 2 to Adelaide.
“IQ 2 Australia is thrilled to be joining with NCVER in presenting one of its national debates in Adelaide,” Dr Longstaff said.
“IQ 2 debates build on centuries of tradition founded in the chambers of the Cambridge and Oxford Unions – where some of the greatest orators of their age have done intellectual battle, (usually) without spilling a drop of blood!”
NCVER Managing Director, Dr Tom Karmel said that the debate will advance the thinking on what is a crucial issue in education – the expansion of the tertiary education sector.
“Being a partner in this high calibre debate is an excellent fit for NCVER in its role as a leading provider of high-quality, independent information on tertiary education and training in Australia,” Dr Karmel said.
“The proposition is central to the contemporary skills and tertiary education reform agenda. It will resonate with prospective students, their parents and employers.
The evening promises a lively interchange between the speakers and audience members.”
Tickets go on sale today, Tuesday, 27 March 2012.
Bookings via BASS or 131246 – Tickets $25/$20 concession.
For more information: www.ncver.edu.au/newsevents/events/iq2.html or www.iq2oz.com
NCVER would like to thank:
- Event partner: IBM
- Venue partner: Adelaide City Council
- Media partner: 891 ABC Adelaide
- Travel partner: Corporate Traveller
Background information:
IQ 2 debates take the traditional Oxford-style approach to debating with the six speakers arguing either side of the proposition and two audience votes on the motion.
The IQ 2 debate series began in the United Kingdom in 2002 and is now staged in the US, Greece, Asia and Australia, attracting sell out crowds in Sydney and Melbourne.
NCVER is Australia's leading provider of high-quality, independent research and statistics on vocational education and training (VET) to governments, the education sector, industry, and the community.
St James Ethics Centre was established in 1989 and is an independent, not-for-profit organisation providing a non-judgemental forum for the promotion, exploration and exploration of ethics.
Media enquiries: Linda Hein, Marketing Officer or Colleen Young, Marketing Services Manager 08 8230 8400