This year’s debate topic, sure to stir discussion, is titled: “All alcohol consumed in Australia should require a doctor’s script.”
The debate will feature six prominent speakers who will present their cases with sharp arguments and engaging presentations. Representing the affirmative side will be chief addiction specialist, Dr Hester Wilson, Guild NSW Branch Committee Member, Catherine Bronger, and Guild NSW Branch Director, Daniel Kicuroski. Medical Director of Uniting Medically Supervised Injecting Centre, Dr Marianne Jauncey, Guild National Councillor, Anthony Tassone, and addiction medicine specialist, Dr David Jacka will be arguing for the opposing side.
Workshop facilitator, Angelo Pricolo, said, “We have assembled six amazing speakers who will debate access to alcohol in Australia and give us their perspectives, as well as a good dose of humour. The debate will take place directly before the Welcome Reception, where alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks will surely flow!”
“Each speaker will be scored out of 100, with 50 points for argument and 50 points for presentation. The facts presented must be accurate, and all participants are expected to focus on the topics and ideas, maintaining respectful discourse.”
Mr Pricolo said the debate will bring together facts and entertainment, saying, “Alcohol is rapidly absorbed into the bloodstream and affects the brain within about five minutes, but our speakers only have three minutes to convince the audience of their stance! This debate parallels the ongoing discussions around vaping, aiming to entertain while delivering truths by stealth.”
‘The Great Debate’ is part of the Harm Minimisation Workshop, scheduled from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm on Thursday, 5 September, as part of Pharmacy Connect 2024.
The workshop will cover topics including vaping, emerging trends in Australia’s unregulated drug
market, cannabis and synthetic opioids.
Full program details and information about other sessions and Pharmacy Connect can be found
here.
