Our Structure

The ADF supports the work of eight affiliate bodies — one from each state and territory. These affiliates are all run as non-profit organisations. They administer the premier debating competitions in their respective States and Territories, with the exception of New South Wales where a number of disparate competitions run in tandem. All affiliates are further responsible for the selection and training of representative teams which compete at the National Schools Debating Championships (NSDC). State Education Departments have recognised the importance of these associations, with DAV and QDU singled out as model community organisations.

Collectively, nearly 30,000 students participate in programs run by our affiliates. These students come from both government and non-government schools, and are split roughly evenly by gender.

The state and territory affiliate bodies are as follows:

The Tasmanian Debating Union (TDU) runs Tasmania’s premier debating competition. You can find some more information about the TDU here. The TDU can be contacted at schools@tdu.org.au.

The South Australian Debating Association (SADA) runs South Australia’s main schools debating competition. You can find some more information about SADA here. SADA can be contacted by filling out this form.

The New South Wales Debating Union (NSWDU) selects and trains the NSW Schools Debating Team. You can find some more information about NSWDU here. NSWDU can be contacted at nswdebatingunion@gmail.com.

The Queensland Debating Union (QDU) is a registered charity that is the peak body for debating in Queensland. You can find some more information about the QDU here. The QDU can be contacted at admin@qdu.edu.au.

The Northern Territory Debating Union (NTDU) runs debating competitions in the Northern Territory. You can find some more information about the NTDU here. The NTDU can be contacted by emailing debatingnt@gmail.com .

The Western Australian Debating League (WADL) runs a large competition in Western Australia. You can find some more information about WADL here. WADL can be contacted by emailing president@wadl.org.

The Australian Capital Territory Debating Union (ACTDU) runs competitions and training for students in the ACTDU. You can find some more information about ACTDU here. ACTDU can be contacted through this form.

The Debaters Association of Victoria (DAV) runs the largest schools debating competition in Victoria. You can find some more information about DAV here. DAV can be contacted at debater@dav.com.au.