Well, according to fast talking Mercury sports reporter and Mai-Wel Celebrity Comedy Debate rookie Josh Callinan, Shaw didn’t know what he was talking about.

However, mother of three, Maitland Regional Art Gallery deputy director and celebrity comedy debate rookie Brigette Uren thinks Shaw is spot on.

Both sides of the argument will be debated at the 11th annual Mai-Wel Celebrity Comedy Debate at Hunter Valley Grammar School on August 8 and it will be up to the audience  to decide which side is the most convincing.

“Shaw’s statement is a perpetuated cultural myth, passed on by old people who do not want young people to have any fun and to make them feel bad for everything they do,” Callinan said.

“They say this to put young people on a guilt trip. My argument will be youth is not wasted on the young.”

Ms Uren begs to differ.

“Boobs, bums, hips – they are all in the right place on a young person,” she said.

“They are all beauty and no brains. Nothing has gone south on their bodies and they think they know everything.”

Tackling the affirmative argument, youth is wasted on the young is stand-up comedian and TV presenter Cal Wilson, Maitland veterinarian, Ian Gollan and Brigette Uren. 

Leader of the opposition, arguing that youth is not wasted on the young, is actor, director, radio commentator, producer and festival director Lex Marinos, relationship coach Tara Whitewood and Josh Callinan.

ABC News broadcast journalist Dan Cox will keep the debate under control.

Tickets are $75 each, which includes a light two-course meal, and can be purchased by calling 4932 8599.

Money raised from the event will go toward a creative arts program for people with a disability or disadvantage in our community.