Dan Holmes @dholmesnoise.bsky.social · 17/09/2026Misunderstanding Luddites is the new misunderstanding Donald Horne 111
Dan Holmes @dholmesnoise.bsky.social · 03/08/2026Possibly the best example I've seen of techbros trying to solve the problems they've created in the most dystopian way possible 020
Dan Holmes @dholmesnoise.bsky.social · 08/07/2026One 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.comHow loud budgeting is helping Gen Z set financial boundariesOne 28-year-old explains how having open money conversations helps her avoid overspending and build financial stability. 04210
Dan Holmes @dholmesnoise.bsky.social · 30/06/2026ICAC NSW's "Unicorn" anti-corruption chief talks the differences between his approach, and the NACC commissioners'. #auspol #ausnews #naccthemandarin.com.auWhat'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. 001
Dan Holmes @dholmesnoise.bsky.social · 29/06/2026I'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 #ausnewsthemandarin.com.auNACC committee dives into appointment of next commissionerLess than a week into the recruitment of the next NACC commissioner, parliament has gathered evidence on the process and progress. 064
Dan Holmes @dholmesnoise.bsky.social · 26/06/2026A bit of a primer on the NACC appointments process for those watching PJC NACC today.themandarin.com.auWho 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. 021
Dan Holmes @dholmesnoise.bsky.social · 22/06/2026I'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 #naccthemandarin.com.auNACC can't make decisions on 'the vibe', says robodebt investigatorNACC deputy commissioner Kylie Kilgour says people fundamentally misunderstand the commission's investigation into robodebt. 000
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.auICAC 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. 000
Dan Holmes @dholmesnoise.bsky.social · 12/06/2026themandarin.com.auInaugural Commonwealth EPA boss appointedSerial state agency boss John Bradley has been appointed the first head of the National Environmental Protection Authority. 000
Dan Holmes @dholmesnoise.bsky.social · 12/06/2026There'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 #NDISthemandarin.com.auAPS uncertain about key elements of NDIS cutsHealth 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. 000
Dan Holmes @dholmesnoise.bsky.social · 09/06/2026This 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 #anuthemandarin.com.auANU integrity probes near completionAndrew Metcalfe has given the Senate an update on incomplete inquiries into ANU's governance and former leadership. 222
Dan Holmes @dholmesnoise.bsky.social · 03/06/2026Something 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 #ausnewsthemandarin.com.auAPS to take bigger role in employment servicesDEWR officials told Senate estimates they expect almost half of JobSeekers to be managed directly by the department. 191
Dan Holmes @dholmesnoise.bsky.social · 27/05/2026Is someone unhappy about UMELB's teaching of the categorical imperative? 071
Dan Holmes @dholmesnoise.bsky.social · 25/05/2026Submitted without comment #nacc #aps #auspo #ausnewsthemandarin.com.auNACC commissioner Paul Brereton resignsNACC chief Paul Brereton resigns after three years, citing leadership scrutiny as a distraction from anti-corruption work. 043
Dan Holmes @dholmesnoise.bsky.social · 17/05/2026Back 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.auA guide to ICAC’s investigation into Parramatta CouncilNSW ICAC resumes public hearings into Operation Navarra on Monday. Here’s what you need to know. 000
Dan Holmes @dholmesnoise.bsky.social · 05/05/2026Folks 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.auTaskforce raids alleged NDIS fraud syndicateThe Fraud Fusion Taskforce is investigating what it believes is a multi-million dollar NDIS fraud syndicate in Queensland. 000
Dan Holmes @dholmesnoise.bsky.social · 29/04/2026Something 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 #auspolthemandarin.com.auTertiary education steward opens for businessATEC acting chief commissioner Barney Glover spoke to The Mandarin on the commission's first official day of operations. 066
Dan Holmes @dholmesnoise.bsky.social · 29/04/2026Trump'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.auUS government loses $186 billion to 'improper spending'The US Government Accountability Office said improper government spending grew by $24 billion last year. 002
Dan Holmes @dholmesnoise.bsky.social · 29/04/2026Trump'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 #ausnewsthemandarin.com.auUS government loses $186 billion to 'improper spending'The US Government Accountability Office said improper government spending grew by $24 billion last year. 000
Dan Holmes @dholmesnoise.bsky.social · 22/04/2026Alternate headline: Ken Henry channels Shia LaBeouf in Senate inquiry. #ausnews #auspolthemandarin.com.au'Just do it': Former treasury secretary calls for effective gas taxA 'liberated' Ken Henry has told a new Senate select committee to 'stop the crap' and raise a tax on the gas industry. 032
Dan Holmes @dholmesnoise.bsky.social · 19/04/2026I 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 #ausnewsthemandarin.com.auAPSC battles to bury remainder of Pezzullo investigationThe Australian Public Service Commission is arguing that disclosures about a once-in-a-generation code of conduct investigation would harm future inquiries. 031
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 #ausnewsthemandarin.com.auAustralian public sector CEOs now world's highest-paidAustralian public sector bosses are now the highest paid in the world, following a US executive order cutting utility boss's pay. 154
Dan Holmes @dholmesnoise.bsky.social · 08/04/2026Another state public service pay deal over the line, this time in Tasmania. #auspol #ausnewsthemandarin.com.auTasmanian public servants reach pay deal with governmentCPSU Tasmania members have voted up a new enterprise agreement, after almost a year of bargaining with the state government. 032
Reposted by Dan HolmesBill Browne @browne90.bsky.social · 07/04/2026What 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." 164
Dan Holmes @dholmesnoise.bsky.social · 07/04/2026This 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 #auspolthemandarin.com.auCentral agencies offer redundancies across APSDCCEEW is the latest federal agency to confirm redundancies ahead of the May budget. 000
Dan Holmes @dholmesnoise.bsky.social · 06/04/2026Every report on local transport infrastructure says virtually the same thing, just in different degrees. Here's the latest from the ANAO. #auspol #ausnewsthemandarin.com.auAuditor-general finds familiar problems in local roads fundThe government isn't demonstrating good value for money from the Safer Local Roads and Infrastructure Program, says Caralee McLiesh. 022
Dan Holmes @dholmesnoise.bsky.social · 26/03/2026Dear Journalists, please stop saying Trump has "singled out Australia and other countries". What do you think "singled out" means?! #ausnews #auspol 3262
Dan Holmes @dholmesnoise.bsky.social · 25/03/2026This 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 #ausnewsthemandarin.com.auTasmania's public servants walk off the jobCPSU Tasmania members are taking protected industrial action amid combative pay negotiations with the state government. 022
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 #ausnewsthemandarin.com.auBattleground emerges between ACT public servants, governmentUnion members have rejected an offer that would have put them further behind their APS counterparts. 141
Dan Holmes @dholmesnoise.bsky.social · 19/03/2026Posting 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. 000
Dan Holmes @dholmesnoise.bsky.social · 17/03/2026Could not bring myself to write a headline that in any way suggests that 20 years is any way "fast".themandarin.com.auTasmania to make right to information a little less slowTasmanian cabinet documents could be released after 20 years under RTI, down from the current 25. In other states, it's 30 days. 020
Dan Holmes @dholmesnoise.bsky.social · 16/03/2026This 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 #ausnewsthemandarin.com.auSouth Australian public service union leaders detail road to victoryPSA SA leaders Charlotte Watson and Celia Brougham detail how they went from disgruntled public servants to leading a march on Parliament House. 021
Dan Holmes @dholmesnoise.bsky.social · 15/03/2026And now for something completely different #auspol #ausnewsthemandarin.com.auNSW cabinet secretary clarifies record-keeping carveoutsKate Boyd has clarified the state's advice on disappearing messages and cabinet-in-confidence exemptions. 000
Dan Holmes @dholmesnoise.bsky.social · 13/03/2026Biggest public service appointments of the week. #auspol #ausnewsthemandarin.com.auMovers & Shakers: Treasury counts on executive refreshSBS chair appointed, Queensland's legal leaders, Canadian PM turns over central agency bosses, Helen Silver to library board. 001
Dan Holmes @dholmesnoise.bsky.social · 12/03/2026Vibe checks out. www.themandarin.com.au/309484-robod...themandarin.com.auRobodebt watchers respond to NACC findingsRobodebt investigations have reached the end of the road. Here's how the victims, advocates, and politicians are responding. 010
Dan Holmes @dholmesnoise.bsky.social · 11/03/2026I'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 #NACCthemandarin.com.auWhat the NACC said about each of the robodebt sixNACC deputy commissioner Kylie Kilgour expressed scepticism about the conclusions of the robodebt royal commission. Here's what she said about the six. 0217
Dan Holmes @dholmesnoise.bsky.social · 10/03/2026Get in loser, we're doing high school stats today.themandarin.com.auFat cats: What public servants really makeThe 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. 000
Dan Holmes @dholmesnoise.bsky.social · 09/03/2026Emerging 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 #auspolthemandarin.com.auOur definitive guide to public sector salaries across AustraliaThe methodology, footnotes, and caveats behind how we collated and calculated the data and comparisons of the professions, pay grades, and priorities. 021
Dan Holmes @dholmesnoise.bsky.social · 18/02/2026I attempt to follow the many moving parts of the India AI Impact Summit #ausnewsthemandarin.com.auIndia AI Impact Summit starts with a bangIndia's AI ambitions are on full display, and Australian tech policy is proving influential in the world's largest democracy. 000
Dan Holmes @dholmesnoise.bsky.social · 15/02/2026ATEC 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 #ausnewsthemandarin.com.auUniversities endorse ATEC, with conditionsStakeholders support the creation of an Australian Tertiary Education Commission, provided its independence is clearly established and protected. 110
Dan Holmes @dholmesnoise.bsky.social · 12/02/2026Honest 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. 183
Dan Holmes @dholmesnoise.bsky.social · 11/02/2026DEWR still mum on secretary's departure. #auspol #ausnewsthemandarin.com.auDEWR dodges questions on secretary's dismissalDEWR officials have declined to answer questions about secretary Natalie James' sudden departure from the department. 011
Dan Holmes @dholmesnoise.bsky.social · 10/02/2026Interesting discussion about who's holding the bag for the BoM website in estimates this week. #auspol #ausnewsthemandarin.com.auBureau of Meteorology boss defends website contractorsBureau of Meteorology CEO Stuart Minchin has attributed the new website's bumpy landing to inadequate user testing, not poor consulting work. 174
Dan Holmes @dholmesnoise.bsky.social · 10/02/2026De Brouwer's last spin in the dockthemandarin.com.auAPS commissioner says 'so long' to Senate estimatesDeparting APS commissioner Gordon de Brouwer used his last appearance to hit back at the APSC's critics in the Senate. 000
Reposted by Dan HolmesBill Browne @browne90.bsky.social · 10/02/2026Crisis? 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-... 14627
Dan Holmes @dholmesnoise.bsky.social · 09/02/2026Reposting this one from estimates yesterday. It sounds like preparations are advancing quite quickly. #auspol #ausnews 010
Dan Holmes @dholmesnoise.bsky.social · 09/02/2026It's starting to feel like year of the long knives. #auspol #ausnewsthemandarin.com.auPM&C confirms former secretary James sackedEmployment and Workplace Relations secretary Natalie James was removed under the same provision as former DAFF chief Adam Fennessy. 020
Dan Holmes @dholmesnoise.bsky.social · 09/02/2026#auspol #ausnewsthemandarin.com.auAttorney-General's sheds light on royal commission preparationsThe Royal Commission into Antisemitism and Social Cohesion is racing toward a tight deadline. Attorney-General's offers an update. 022