The annual Engineers v Lawyers Mock Debate returns on 18 August with a winner-takes-all decider debate over the opportunities and challenges of Brisbane 2032.
It’s that time again! We are excited to announce that the Engineers v Lawyers Mock Debate is back for the third year with an Olympic-sized decider locked in for Tuesday 18 August 2026.
The engineers claimed victory in the inaugural debate, before the lawyers levelled the score last year in a hard-fought contest that featured the usual sharp arguments and more than a few well-placed jibes.
The event marks a new chapter for the debate, with Sequana taking up the engineering mantle following IPS becoming a Sequana company in June 2025.
Now, with bragging rights firmly on the line, Sequana and Helix Legal will bring the rivalry back to The Brisbane Club for a winner-takes-all showdown on the topic: “Brisbane 2032 Olympics — a State’s crowning jewel or an unnecessary distraction?”
Team Engineers will argue that the Brisbane 2032 Olympics is, in fact, the State’s crowning jewel, while Team Lawyers will argue that it is an unnecessary distraction.
Presiding over the debate will be Queensland Major Contractors Association Chief Executive Officer Andrew ‘Chappy’ Chapman, who returns as adjudicator to keep the chaos, rhetoric and professional point-scoring somewhat under control.
Sequana’s Regional Managing Director, QLD, Sascha Kurz, said the 2026 topic reflects one of the biggest conversations taking place across Queensland and was sure to be controversial.
“With only six years until the Brisbane 2032 Opening Ceremony, it’s the perfect time to consider whether the Games represent a once-in-a-generation opportunity or an unnecessary distraction,” she said.
“Regardless of which side people support, I’m sure the discussion will be spirited and entertaining. And the engineers will win it!”
Janelle Kerrisk of Helix Legal said she was looking forward to another great contest and is confident that the lawyers would secure victory in the decider.
“This event is about bringing together professionals from Brisbane’s engineering, legal, infrastructure and business communities for an evening of fun and casual networking,” she said.
“And a good mock debate topic doesn’t need one side to be obviously right. It needs both sides to have enough credible ammunition that the audience could be persuaded either way, which is why we chose this topic.”
Speaker announcements will be made soon, with each side to be represented by a trio of experts ready to once again determine whether the shovel is mightier than the gavel.
And, as always, the audience will decide the winner.
Event details
Date: Tuesday 18 August 2026
Time: 5.30pm arrival for a 6.00pm start
Location: Edinburgh Room, The Brisbane Club, Suite 3/241 Adelaide Street, Brisbane City
Cost: Free, registration required
Register here for your free tickets!
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