On Tuesday 16 March Jack Waterford launched Debate Magazine. Following Ken Randall, the Editor in Chief of the magazine who introduced him, Jack made a witty and interesting speech. He pointed to the need for competition among small magazines and said that they should consider sharing subscriber lists, since people who were interested in ideas were likely to read numerous publications.

He also praised the concept of the magazine, which promoted the debate of ideas without having a fixed agenda. He said that in this sense it was unique among Australian small magazines.

The event was attended by about one hundred guests from public service, political and diplomatic circles as well as the private sector. The National Press Club did an excellent job in hosting the event.

The response to the magazine was one of positive enthusiasm.