On Friday 14 June, the Year 10 History Debating competed against SCEGGS Darlinghurst for the first debate of the season. The topic was “The Battle for Australia was a myth”. Newington, being the host team, was affirmative. Alexander Iannuzzi (10/MO) spoke first, outlining the practical and logical reasons why a Japanese invasion of Australia would have been impossible, stating the numerous personal disagreements and lack of coordination in the Japanese high command as the reason. Callum Strachan (10/JN) was second speaker, explaining the Japanese theory of racial superiority over other Asiatic races, arguing an invasion of Australia would have been inconsistent with this policy. Finally Justin Ting (10/JN), as third speaker, summarised these points and gave our last rebuttal before SCEGGS finished off the debate.

The SCEGGS team possessed some very good public speakers and presented a very compelling case. However, the Newington team succeeded in convincing the adjudicator that the Australian government during WWII overemphasised the threat the Japanese posed to Australia and exposed the lack of material evidence of a formal Japanese plan of attack. The debate was closely contested and Newington will derive great confidence from their victory against such a formidable team.

The night before, our Year 11 team (last year’s competition winners) continued their good form by defeating St. Joseph’s College, Hunter’s Hill. Our team successfully negated the premise that “the Elgin Marbles should be returned to Greece.” Overall, a great start from both teams to this year’s History debating competition!

Jean-Luc Gallo (10/MO)