Grounded State

A debate series from Agenda.Melbourne

Grounded State

Two sides. One table. Cameras rolling. Grounded State puts Australians who disagree face to face to argue the issues dividing the country, in good faith, and publishes the result online.

Apply to debate How casting works

The idea

Disagreement, done properly

Most arguments about the things that divide Australia happen in comment sections, between people who will never meet. Grounded State puts them in the same room.

Each episode takes one motion and gives both sides a fair hearing at full strength. Nobody is set up to lose. The moderator keeps it on the motion and keeps it civil, and the audience decides for themselves. Being persuaded on camera is allowed. So is holding your ground.

The series is non-partisan. We cast for balance on every motion, and the people who run it do not need to be right.

On the show

Three ways in

Head to head

The Debate

Two people, opposite sides of one motion, one moderator. Opening cases, direct rebuttal, questions from the chair, and a closing word each.

Ten minutes

The Monologue

One voice, straight to camera, making the full case for an idea without interruption. Ten minutes is long enough to be tested by it.

Long form

The Interview

A sit-down with a guest whose views make people uncomfortable, with the hard questions asked properly and answered at length.

The motions

Pick a side. Defend it.

Conservatives vs Socialists Who has the better plan for Australia?
Pro-life vs Pro-choice Where should the law stand on abortion?
Rehabilitation vs Punishment Is Australia too soft on crime?
More vs Less Does Australia need more or less immigration?
Free speech vs Harmful speech Where should Australia draw the line?
Birthright vs Earned right Should voting be a birthright or an earned right?
Traditional vs Modern Do gender roles still work in relationships?
Men vs Women Is modern dating broken?
Cancel culture vs Call-out culture Is public shaming accountability or punishment?
Israel vs Palestine What should Australia's position be?
Kashmir vs Palestine Do the two causes deserve equal political standing?
Uni students vs Influencers Who really shapes what young Australians think?

The application form lists these motions. Pick the ones you would argue, tell us which side, and give us your strongest point.

House rules

Argue hard. Play fair.

Attack the idea, never the person. Personal insults end the round. Sharp is fine. Cruel is out.
Bring evidence. Opinions are welcome. Facts carry more weight, and the moderator may ask where yours came from.
Let the other side finish. You will get your turn, and the audience will hear both. Interrupting costs you more than it costs them.
Changing your mind is allowed. Being persuaded on camera takes more courage than winning. Say so if it happens.

Casting

How it works

We are looking for uni students and anyone else with a view they can defend. No debating experience is needed. What matters is that you believe what you are arguing, you can explain why, and you can hear the other side out.

Apply. The form takes about five minutes. It asks how you would describe your views, which motions you would argue, which side, and your strongest point. You can add a 30 to 60 second phone video making your case. That helps, and it is optional.
We read everything. Every application is read by a person. We shortlist for a clear position, a reason behind it, and balance: each motion needs both sides.
Shortlisted? We get in touch. You hear your motion, your side, who you are up against and the shoot details. You can say no at that point, and you can ask to be kept in mind for a later motion.
Shoot day. You arrive, meet the moderator and your opponent, go over the rules, and record. The episode is edited for length and published online. See below for what the day looks like.

Shoot day

What to expect

Before you arrive

Know your case and know the best version of theirs. Bring notes if you want them. Do not bring a script: you will be interrupted, and the best moments are the unplanned ones.

On the day

A short briefing with the moderator, a run through the house rules, a sound check, then the round. Afterwards there is a few minutes to talk off camera. Many debaters find that part the most interesting.

Filming and consent

Debates are filmed and published online. The application form asks you to confirm you understand that and agree to be recorded. Before filming we will go through how the footage is used, and you will confirm it again in writing.

Dates

Shoots are scheduled as motions are cast. The form asks about your availability, and if you cannot make the next date you can ask to be kept in mind for the one after.

Now casting

Got a view you can defend?

Strong opinions welcome. Respect required. It takes about five minutes to apply.

Apply to debate

Part of Agenda.Melbourne

The rest of the table

Grounded State is one part of a wider civic platform: forums with decision makers, leadership workshops, mentoring and a standing agenda of issues raised by residents. About Agenda.Melbourne and the programs.