About the author Journalist David Donaldson is a journalist at The Mandarin based in Melbourne. Follow David Donaldson
Premium Insights and analysis The UK government said it was ‘following the science’ on COVID-19. Why does it have the worst outbreak in Europe? Wednesday July 8, 2020 By David Donaldson Case studies What went wrong? And where does the fault lie — the science, the science advisers, or the politicians?… Read more
Premium Insights and analysis It’s Mandarin Premium’s birthday, so here’s a collection of our favourite stories and quotes so far Wednesday July 1, 2020 By David Donaldson Features In the past year we've published over 400 stories on life in the public sector, so to celebrate we're looking back over a selection of… Read more
Premium Interviews ‘I was a bad manager’: how being more human makes you a better leader Tuesday June 30, 2020 By David Donaldson Features Which management type are you: the robot? The superhuman? Consultant Mark LeBusque on the importance of really knowing your colleagues — and yourself. Read more
Premium Interviews Recruiting and working remotely for 75% of its existence: how Bushfire Recovery Victoria has risen amid two crises Thursday June 25, 2020 By David Donaldson Case studies Established while the state was burning in January, social distancing has forced the community-focused Bushfire Recovery Victoria to rethink how it works, says CEO Lee… Read more
Premium Interviews We know the world is complex. ATO Assistant Commissioner Misha Kaur wants policymaking to reflect this Monday June 22, 2020 By David Donaldson Australian Capital Territory A new, multi-disciplinary approach at the Tax Office is trying to better design government interventions and services for a complex world. Assistant Commissioner Misha Kaur… Read more
Premium Interviews Too many older workers feel ignored. Here’s how managers can get them back on board Wednesday June 17, 2020 By David Donaldson Features How can organisations keep older workers engaged and productive? Start by asking what physical or role tweaks would help, says HR expert Professor Carol Kulik. Read more
Premium Expert briefings Question your assumptions and don’t presume your opponents are stupid: zoo chief Jenny Gray on ethical leadership Tuesday June 16, 2020 By David Donaldson Features Testing the logic behind your arguments can only strengthen them, argues the head of Zoos Victoria. Read more
Premium Trends and research The three essential skills of a good public manager in a crisis Monday June 15, 2020 By David Donaldson Features Stakeholder management, political astuteness and collaborative networks are vital skills amid uncertainty and volatility, argues public management expert Zeger van der Wal. Read more
Premium Interviews Harnessing tech creativity to tackle policy problems, from COVID-19 to food waste Tuesday June 9, 2020 By David Donaldson Case studies How can tech innovators help government address big social issues? Two upcoming competitions are seeking new ideas on a broad range of public policy challenges. Read more
Premium Trends and research A cashless world would make life harder for tax-dodgers and crims — and cheaper for everyone Friday June 5, 2020 By David Donaldson Case studies Cash offers an easy means of avoiding tax — one plenty of ordinary Australians use — so the government is keen to crack down on… Read more
Premium Case studies With the disruption of COVID-19, whistleblowing has never been more important Sunday May 31, 2020 By David Donaldson Case studies One whistleblower hotline has seen an uptick in calls thanks to the pandemic. While disclosure may be uncomfortable, it can also give early warning on… Read more
Premium Insights and analysis When the rulebook runs out: Anna Bligh on leadership in a crisis Sunday May 31, 2020 By David Donaldson Features Former premier Anna Bligh discusses evacuating a hospital while a cyclone loomed, finding leadership lessons in everyday life, and working from home for the first… Read more
Premium Interviews South Australia’s bushfire preparedness paid off in the pandemic Tuesday May 26, 2020 By David Donaldson Case studies SA finished its emergency mobilisation strategy just as lockdown began, allowing Erma Ranieri to take on the new role of mobilisation coordinator. She discusses how… Read more
Premium Interviews Working from home has increased cyber risks — but a punitive approach to security can be counter-productive Monday May 18, 2020 By David Donaldson Features The pandemic has highlighted security vulnerabilities in critical infrastructure, says a veteran of the US government's cyber emergency response team. Read more
Premium Insights and analysis Australia does well in crises, but we need better approaches to slow-moving problems, says Lisa Paul Tuesday May 12, 2020 By David Donaldson Features Investing in policy labs and innovation hubs could help Australian governments tackle other policy problems as well as we've responded to COVID-19. A recent crisis… Read more
