Argument centred on crude bat excrement (6)

I believe the answer is:

debate

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'argument' is the definition.
(I know that argument can be written as debate)

'centred on crude bat excrement' is the wordplay.
'DEBATE' is hidden in amongst the letters.
However, I'm unsure how this is indicated.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for debate that I've seen before include "Verbal disputation" , "Talk" , "Formal public discussion" , "consideration" , "Public argument" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.

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