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Dan Holmes

@dholmesnoise.bsky.social
968 followers 1.2K following 459 posts

Canberra based journalist with themandarin.com.au covering the Australian public sector. MEAA ACT President. Nerd. Context advocate. Recovering composer and music dude. dholmes@themandarin.com.au Apsanonymous@proton.me Signal: Apsanonymous.2600

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Dan Holmes @dholmesnoise.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
Misunderstanding Luddites is the new misunderstanding Donald Horne
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Dan Holmes @dholmesnoise.bsky.social · 03/08/2026
Possibly the best example I've seen of techbros trying to solve the problems they've created in the most dystopian way possible
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Dan Holmes @dholmesnoise.bsky.social · 08/07/2026
One of my favourite genres of news article is middle class people finding whacky names for things so normalised among the poor, it would be weird to name them. www.reuters.com/markets/on-t...
reuters.com
How loud budgeting is helping Gen Z set financial boundaries
One 28-year-old explains how having open money conversations helps her avoid overspending and build financial stability.
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Dan Holmes @dholmesnoise.bsky.social · 30/06/2026
ICAC NSW's "Unicorn" anti-corruption chief talks the differences between his approach, and the NACC commissioners'. #auspol #ausnews #nacc
themandarin.com.au
What's motivating ICAC NSW's chief commissioner?
ICAC NSW chief commissioner John Hatzistergos told PJC NACC he wants to set the highest standard of integrity at the commission.
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Dan Holmes @dholmesnoise.bsky.social · 29/06/2026
I'd personally like to see more parliamentary inquiries run like this. Good contributions from everyone, including the government chair. Great focus on information gathering and perspective, little political point scoring. #nacc #auspol #ausnews
themandarin.com.au
NACC committee dives into appointment of next commissioner
Less than a week into the recruitment of the next NACC commissioner, parliament has gathered evidence on the process and progress.
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Dan Holmes @dholmesnoise.bsky.social · 26/06/2026
A bit of a primer on the NACC appointments process for those watching PJC NACC today.
themandarin.com.au
Who wants to be NACC commissioner?
ANALYSIS | The National Anti-Corruption Commission is advertising for a new commissioner and deputy commissioner. It's going to be a tough job.
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Dan Holmes @dholmesnoise.bsky.social · 22/06/2026
I've heard this said a few times in a few different ways. But deputy commissioner Kilgour has, in my view, said it in the most direct and articulate way. #auspol #ausnews #nacc
themandarin.com.au
NACC can't make decisions on 'the vibe', says robodebt investigator
NACC deputy commissioner Kylie Kilgour says people fundamentally misunderstand the commission's investigation into robodebt.
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Dan Holmes @dholmesnoise.bsky.social · 17/06/2026
"Asked why the email was anonymous, she told ICAC she was trying to avoid appearing in the media."
themandarin.com.au
ICAC NSW: 'Systemic corruption' at Parramatta Council motivated alleged 'retribution'
Parramatta Council's former CEO Gail Connolly has told ICAC NSW she is a whistleblower, not a corrupt actor.
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Dan Holmes @dholmesnoise.bsky.social · 12/06/2026
themandarin.com.au
Inaugural Commonwealth EPA boss appointed
Serial state agency boss John Bradley has been appointed the first head of the National Environmental Protection Authority.
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Dan Holmes @dholmesnoise.bsky.social · 12/06/2026
There's a lot tbd in the government's NDIS reform plans. As I understand it, they have a little over a year to bed these things down. Embedded video starts at the Department and NDIA's evidence. #auspol #ausnews #NDIS
themandarin.com.au
APS uncertain about key elements of NDIS cuts
Health officials were unable to tell the NDIS inquiry about the effects of the proposed scheme changes on the states and regions, or whether participants need to plan years ahead.
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Dan Holmes @dholmesnoise.bsky.social · 09/06/2026
This was a heck of a hearing, and absolutely jam packed with information. If you've been partially paying attention to the ANU story, I highly recommend having a look at the uni's appearance at estimates last week for a fairly comprehensive rundown of what's happened to date. #auspol #ausnews #anu
themandarin.com.au
ANU integrity probes near completion
Andrew Metcalfe has given the Senate an update on incomplete inquiries into ANU's governance and former leadership.
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Dan Holmes @dholmesnoise.bsky.social · 03/06/2026
Something that may fly under the radar in the gov's employment services changes is the greater role government is likely to play in direct provision. Its not the whole system, but the Secretary's evidence was he expects it to be more than half. #auspol #ausnews
themandarin.com.au
APS to take bigger role in employment services
DEWR officials told Senate estimates they expect almost half of JobSeekers to be managed directly by the department.
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Dan Holmes @dholmesnoise.bsky.social · 27/05/2026
Is someone unhappy about UMELB's teaching of the categorical imperative?
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Dan Holmes @dholmesnoise.bsky.social · 25/05/2026
Submitted without comment #nacc #aps #auspo #ausnews
themandarin.com.au
NACC commissioner Paul Brereton resigns
NACC chief Paul Brereton resigns after three years, citing leadership scrutiny as a distraction from anti-corruption work.
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Dan Holmes @dholmesnoise.bsky.social · 17/05/2026
Back on what I think is one of the most interesting rounds in the country - NSW ICAC. #auspol #ausnews www.themandarin.com.au/313061-guide...
themandarin.com.au
A guide to ICAC’s investigation into Parramatta Council
NSW ICAC resumes public hearings into Operation Navarra on Monday. Here’s what you need to know.
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Dan Holmes @dholmesnoise.bsky.social · 05/05/2026
Folks paying close attention to the #NDIS might find interesting. NDIS integrity head John Dardo told the Senate last week there "isn’t a statistically valid way to calculate" fraud in the NDIS.
themandarin.com.au
Taskforce raids alleged NDIS fraud syndicate
The Fraud Fusion Taskforce is investigating what it believes is a multi-million dollar NDIS fraud syndicate in Queensland.
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Dan Holmes @dholmesnoise.bsky.social · 29/04/2026
Something you might have missed - today is ATEC's first full day of operations. I spoke to Barney Glover this morning about the commission's work on whole-of-system university reform. Its a piece of unambiguously good news, imo. #ausnews #auspol
themandarin.com.au
Tertiary education steward opens for business
ATEC acting chief commissioner Barney Glover spoke to The Mandarin on the commission's first official day of operations.
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Dan Holmes @dholmesnoise.bsky.social · 29/04/2026
Trump's war on waste fraud and abuse does not appear to be going very well. I compared US's total "Improper spending" in 2025 to estimated Australian government losses to fraud ... and it's kind of a lot.
themandarin.com.au
US government loses $186 billion to 'improper spending'
The US Government Accountability Office said improper government spending grew by $24 billion last year.
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Dan Holmes @dholmesnoise.bsky.social · 29/04/2026
Trump's war on waste fraud and abuse does not appear to be going very well. I compared US's total "Improper spending" in 2025 to estimated Australian government losses to fraud ... and it's kind of a lot. #auspol #ausnews
themandarin.com.au
US government loses $186 billion to 'improper spending'
The US Government Accountability Office said improper government spending grew by $24 billion last year.
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Dan Holmes @dholmesnoise.bsky.social · 22/04/2026
Alternate headline: Ken Henry channels Shia LaBeouf in Senate inquiry. #ausnews #auspol
themandarin.com.au
'Just do it': Former treasury secretary calls for effective gas tax
A 'liberated' Ken Henry has told a new Senate select committee to 'stop the crap' and raise a tax on the gas industry.
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Dan Holmes @dholmesnoise.bsky.social · 19/04/2026
I spent two days listening to the @mrrexpatrick.bsky.social and the ASPC contesting the release of more of Lynelle Briggs' investigation into former secretary Mike Pezzullo. Here's what I heard. #auspol #ausnews
themandarin.com.au
APSC battles to bury remainder of Pezzullo investigation
The Australian Public Service Commission is arguing that disclosures about a once-in-a-generation code of conduct investigation would harm future inquiries.
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Dan Holmes @dholmesnoise.bsky.social · 17/04/2026
$3.3 million always seemed like a lot of money for running Auspost to me. Turns out, by international standards, it is. #auspol #ausnews
themandarin.com.au
Australian public sector CEOs now world's highest-paid
Australian public sector bosses are now the highest paid in the world, following a US executive order cutting utility boss's pay.
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Dan Holmes @dholmesnoise.bsky.social · 08/04/2026
Another state public service pay deal over the line, this time in Tasmania. #auspol #ausnews
themandarin.com.au
Tasmanian public servants reach pay deal with government
CPSU Tasmania members have voted up a new enterprise agreement, after almost a year of bargaining with the state government.
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Reposted by Dan Holmes
Bill Browne @browne90.bsky.social · 07/04/2026
What we know -- thanks to FOI -- about Mike Pezzullo misconduct at Home Affairs, from @mrrexpatrick.bsky.social Contempt for democracy: "Parliamentary route is now contaminated with few exceptions. We need to build a meritocracy by stealth and run government from the bureaucracy."
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Dan Holmes @dholmesnoise.bsky.social · 07/04/2026
This is another one of those stories where a lot of the mystery disappears when you just read budget paper 4. Admittedly, not all. This is also your first yearly reminder ASL is not FTE, or headcount. It's meant very little since the cap was removed in 2022. #ausnews #auspol
themandarin.com.au
Central agencies offer redundancies across APS
DCCEEW is the latest federal agency to confirm redundancies ahead of the May budget.
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Dan Holmes @dholmesnoise.bsky.social · 06/04/2026
Every report on local transport infrastructure says virtually the same thing, just in different degrees. Here's the latest from the ANAO. #auspol #ausnews
themandarin.com.au
Auditor-general finds familiar problems in local roads fund
The government isn't demonstrating good value for money from the Safer Local Roads and Infrastructure Program, says Caralee McLiesh.
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Dan Holmes @dholmesnoise.bsky.social · 26/03/2026
Dear Journalists, please stop saying Trump has "singled out Australia and other countries". What do you think "singled out" means?! #ausnews #auspol
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Dan Holmes @dholmesnoise.bsky.social · 25/03/2026
This is the third public service strike I've covered in six months. APS bargaining is slated to start this year. If I were the federal government, I'd be taking note. #auspol #ausnews
themandarin.com.au
Tasmania's public servants walk off the job
CPSU Tasmania members are taking protected industrial action amid combative pay negotiations with the state government.
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Dan Holmes @dholmesnoise.bsky.social · 24/03/2026
(1/2) There's a question I ask every time I do stories about public sector bargaining -- How does the government explain or justify giving the people who gather and analyse their economic data real wage cuts in an agreement? #auspol #ausnews
themandarin.com.au
Battleground emerges between ACT public servants, government
Union members have rejected an offer that would have put them further behind their APS counterparts.
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Dan Holmes @dholmesnoise.bsky.social · 19/03/2026
Posting my regular apology to colleagues, sources, and friends for dropping off the radar. It's not you, it's my lack of social skills and time.
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Dan Holmes @dholmesnoise.bsky.social · 17/03/2026
Could not bring myself to write a headline that in any way suggests that 20 years is any way "fast".
themandarin.com.au
Tasmania to make right to information a little less slow
Tasmanian cabinet documents could be released after 20 years under RTI, down from the current 25. In other states, it's 30 days.
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Dan Holmes @dholmesnoise.bsky.social · 16/03/2026
This interview had a few twists and turns I wasn't expecting. Including a bank holdup, and a frank discussion about public sector union tactics. #auspol #ausnews
themandarin.com.au
South Australian public service union leaders detail road to victory
PSA SA leaders Charlotte Watson and Celia Brougham detail how they went from disgruntled public servants to leading a march on Parliament House.
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Dan Holmes @dholmesnoise.bsky.social · 15/03/2026
And now for something completely different #auspol #ausnews
themandarin.com.au
NSW cabinet secretary clarifies record-keeping carveouts
Kate Boyd has clarified the state's advice on disappearing messages and cabinet-in-confidence exemptions.
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Dan Holmes @dholmesnoise.bsky.social · 13/03/2026
Biggest public service appointments of the week. #auspol #ausnews
themandarin.com.au
Movers & Shakers: Treasury counts on executive refresh
SBS chair appointed, Queensland's legal leaders, Canadian PM turns over central agency bosses, Helen Silver to library board.
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Dan Holmes @dholmesnoise.bsky.social · 12/03/2026
Vibe checks out. www.themandarin.com.au/309484-robod...
themandarin.com.au
Robodebt watchers respond to NACC findings
Robodebt investigations have reached the end of the road. Here's how the victims, advocates, and politicians are responding.
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Dan Holmes @dholmesnoise.bsky.social · 11/03/2026
I'm getting the vibe this hasn't landed as win for transparency and justice NACC were hoping for. I'll be rounding up reactions today, so if you or your organisation group have anything to add to this, send your statements to dholmes@themandarin.com.au. #auspol #ausnews #NACC
themandarin.com.au
What the NACC said about each of the robodebt six
NACC deputy commissioner Kylie Kilgour expressed scepticism about the conclusions of the robodebt royal commission. Here's what she said about the six.
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Dan Holmes @dholmesnoise.bsky.social · 10/03/2026
Get in loser, we're doing high school stats today.
themandarin.com.au
Fat cats: What public servants really make
The median serves as a useful proxy for what a typical public servant earns in a given place. The average can also serve as a useful proxy for what a government spends on its workforce.
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Dan Holmes @dholmesnoise.bsky.social · 09/03/2026
Emerging from my government report dungeon today with this. I've catalogued the published salaries for every government job in Australia, and compared pay across jurisdiction, and professions. There's also a bunch of data on the top earners in every juristiction. #ausnews #auspol
themandarin.com.au
Our definitive guide to public sector salaries across Australia
The methodology, footnotes, and caveats behind how we collated and calculated the data and comparisons of the professions, pay grades, and priorities.
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Dan Holmes @dholmesnoise.bsky.social · 18/02/2026
I attempt to follow the many moving parts of the India AI Impact Summit #ausnews
themandarin.com.au
India AI Impact Summit starts with a bang
India's AI ambitions are on full display, and Australian tech policy is proving influential in the world's largest democracy.
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Dan Holmes @dholmesnoise.bsky.social · 18/02/2026
Alright, @markgkenny.bsky.social , calm down😂
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Dan Holmes @dholmesnoise.bsky.social · 15/02/2026
ATEC is one of those things that's really flown under the radar in the media. I think folks are really underestimating the scale of change this would bring to the universities sector. That is, if the changes being pushed by most of the sector are adopted. #auspol #ausnews
themandarin.com.au
Universities endorse ATEC, with conditions
Stakeholders support the creation of an Australian Tertiary Education Commission, provided its independence is clearly established and protected.
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Dan Holmes @dholmesnoise.bsky.social · 13/02/2026
Ahem
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Dan Holmes @dholmesnoise.bsky.social · 12/02/2026
Honest headlines nobody wrote about Senate estimates this week: Machinery of government continues to confound politicians, including ministers Government sends Minister representing who doesn't know the portfolio to avoid awkward questions.
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Dan Holmes @dholmesnoise.bsky.social · 11/02/2026
DEWR still mum on secretary's departure. #auspol #ausnews
themandarin.com.au
DEWR dodges questions on secretary's dismissal
DEWR officials have declined to answer questions about secretary Natalie James' sudden departure from the department.
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Dan Holmes @dholmesnoise.bsky.social · 10/02/2026
Interesting discussion about who's holding the bag for the BoM website in estimates this week. #auspol #ausnews
themandarin.com.au
Bureau of Meteorology boss defends website contractors
Bureau of Meteorology CEO Stuart Minchin has attributed the new website's bumpy landing to inadequate user testing, not poor consulting work.
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Dan Holmes @dholmesnoise.bsky.social · 10/02/2026
De Brouwer's last spin in the dock
themandarin.com.au
APS commissioner says 'so long' to Senate estimates
Departing APS commissioner Gordon de Brouwer used his last appearance to hit back at the APSC's critics in the Senate.
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Reposted by Dan Holmes
Bill Browne @browne90.bsky.social · 10/02/2026
Crisis? What crisis? Govt's own docs prove that there was no "swarm" of FOI requests that required Australians' FOI rights to be restricted. No wonder govt delayed 150 days before releasing. @skyelark.bsky.social on @thepointau.bsky.social live blog: live.thepoint.com.au/2026/02/the-...
Graph shows FOI decisions were much higher in 2016-17 than under the Albanese Government.
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Dan Holmes @dholmesnoise.bsky.social · 09/02/2026
Reposting this one from estimates yesterday. It sounds like preparations are advancing quite quickly. #auspol #ausnews
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Dan Holmes @dholmesnoise.bsky.social · 09/02/2026
It's starting to feel like year of the long knives. #auspol #ausnews
themandarin.com.au
PM&C confirms former secretary James sacked
Employment and Workplace Relations secretary Natalie James was removed under the same provision as former DAFF chief Adam Fennessy.
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Dan Holmes @dholmesnoise.bsky.social · 09/02/2026
#auspol #ausnews
themandarin.com.au
Attorney-General's sheds light on royal commission preparations
The Royal Commission into Antisemitism and Social Cohesion is racing toward a tight deadline. Attorney-General's offers an update.
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