Damian Coburn

Damian Coburn joined the Australian Public Service via the Public Service Exam, looking for something to earn some money while working out what he wanted to do in life. Retirement is providing some answers. In the intervening 39 years he worked mostly on programs, including development, legislation, operation, improvement, legislation, and regulation. And the odd bit of public policy.

Recent articles by Damian Coburn

Obstacles to childcare safety reform: Government is the problem

Obstacles to childcare safety reform: Government is the problem

The wheels of government (small “g” – politicians and public servants) are turning to Do Something about childcare safety.

One cheer for student loan changes

One cheer for student loan changes

As you may have noticed, the Government has announced changes to student loans and debts, subject (eyeroll) to their re-election. Tick; even the Greens are taking credit.

The LGBTQI community is not your convenient plaything

The LGBTQI community is not your convenient plaything

We all know the 2026 Census story, but to step out the key points: there’s a government form in development; it includes questions dealing with sexuality and/or gender identity; there are concerns about subsequent public sensitivities; government says no to the questions being asked because there might be bad feelings.