The pros and cons of Australian mining
L to R: James Maccarone, John Hajek, Colm Kearny, Dean of the Faculty of Business and Economics, Professor Dr Alan Finkel AM, Chancellor of Monash University and Christopher Skliros.
Australia’s mining boom has come under the spotlight at the annual Viewpoint Monash Economics Debate.
This year’s Viewpoint saw 11 schools try to sway the judges with their arguments for either the affirmative or negative on the topic of “Australia’s mining boom is more of a curse than a blessing”.
The state-wide debating contest, hosted by Monash University’s Department of Economics and the Debaters Association of Victoria is designed to give students an opportunity to debating theory into practice.
Head of the Department of Economics, Professor Russell Smyth, said the competition was designed to give students an opportunity to develop public speaking skills and increase their understanding of economic issues.
“Viewpoint is more than just debating. It is about challenging the leaders of tomorrow and helping them to think through some of the complex economic and social issues that face Australia and the world,” Professor Smyth said.
“Viewpoint also provides the impetus to create longstanding partnerships between Monash University, secondary schools and the broader community.”
The grand final saw Xavier College and St Kevin's College go head-to-head, with St Kevin’s eventual winners mounting a strong case for the negative.
This year’s final was part of Commerce Scholars Day @ Monash, an invitation-only-event for the top performing commerce students held at the Caulfield campus.
“The Viewpoint Grand Final was an exciting and informative discussion relevant to all scholars of Commerce in an event that was aimed to enhance the student learning outcomes in Commerce studies and facilitate transition into University life,” Professor Smyth said.
A total of 62 schools, both private and state, have participated in Viewpoint over the past four years.
For more information visit the Faculty of Business and Economics' Viewpoint website.