The Mandarin

Queensland man arrested for attempted bribery of Commonwealth official

Melissa Coade — Mon, 27 Jul 2026 02:11:21 +0000

The AFP has arrested and charged a Queensland man over an alleged $20,000 cash bribe of a government official.

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Mandarin Talks webinar: Care economy reform that’s built to last

The Mandarin — Mon, 27 Jul 2026 01:24:11 +0000

This webinar will examine the role government agencies play at each stage, and the judgment calls – informed by a stewardship mindset – that will help keep important reforms on track.

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PwC ethical soundness review was local only, Finance says

Tom Ravlic — Mon, 27 Jul 2026 00:26:18 +0000

Senate estimates reveal Finance did not examine the conduct of PwC's overseas partners when assessing the firm's return to government work.

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Helping people see themselves in the risk is the next preparedness challenge

Turlough Guerin — Mon, 27 Jul 2026 00:13:16 +0000

OPINION | Australia has invested heavily in disaster preparedness. The next challenge is ensuring that this investment translates into practical action.

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Why I wrote an optimistic book about Australian public policy

Bernard Keane — Sun, 26 Jul 2026 20:45:57 +0000

Australia has weathered the populist tide. The next step is turning its unique strengths into long-term prosperity, and it has the tools to do so.

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Monday Briefing: Australia’s tobacco laws

Joshua Gliddon — Sun, 26 Jul 2026 20:45:00 +0000

Australia has some of the strictest tobacco laws in the world, and among the highest excises, but this has fuelled a growing black market.

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The communication gap holding back public sector reform

Jo Scard — Sun, 26 Jul 2026 20:43:58 +0000

OPINION | Public sector reform succeeds when communication creates alignment, reduces friction, improves productivity, and strengthens policy delivery.

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Government response to ideologically motivated extremism in the spotlight

Melissa Coade — Sun, 26 Jul 2026 20:41:36 +0000

Key drivers of antisemitism will be examined at the next royal commission hearing block, from August 5-14.

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‘An uncomfortable truth’: Secretary raises the nuanced role of public service advocacy

Melissa Coade — Sun, 26 Jul 2026 20:36:54 +0000

Treasury head Jenny Wilkinson concedes that a public servant's duty to explain the evidence base for policy reforms could be interpreted as advocacy.

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ACT public servants could face criminal charges

Dan Holmes — Sun, 26 Jul 2026 20:23:50 +0000

An ACT directorate head and a public servant have been referred to police after a five-year investigation into contract interference.

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