Screenshot of the 'Key points' section of the linked Bills Digest
Parliamentary Library analysis of the Early Childhood Education and Care (Three Day Guarantee) Bill 2025 has been published: parlinfo.aph.gov.au/parlInfo/dow...
This one has been sitting on my kindle for years and I’m so glad I finally read it. Genuinely excellent.
A Christmas present from my partner’s family. Spec fiction + the civil service, fitting neatly in my Venn diagram of interests. Funny and interesting.
I would have enjoyed this more if I hadn’t just read one of Shamsie’s excellent novels. But still, a fun read.
Possibly my new favourite children’s book … my little friend Hazel introduced me to this one.
Kamila Shamsie was recommended by my colleague Lauren, and I’ve loved all of her work.
Front cover of The Conversion by Amanda Lohrey, black cockatoos in the sky
A short, powerful novella by Australian writer Amanda Lohrey. I read it in an afternoon, and with great pleasure.
The first Captive’s War novella. Still a bit of a mystery, but will presumably make sense as part of the Verse over time.
I finally read Jilya, after attending the book launch a few months ago. Dr Westerman is building an army of First Nations psychologists, and this is her story.
I first read Ghosh in a postcolonial lit course at uni, and have continued to read and love his work. This sprawling historical family story was wonderful.
Helen Garner, The Season. Picture of the book - adolescent boys playing footy on the cover.
I smashed the new Helen Garner in a day. More footy than I’m really comfortable with, but as with all things, it’s magical when told through Helen’s pen.
Second book down. By one of my fav sci fi authors, James SA Corey of Expanse fame. A more complex story and universe, took me a while to get into it, but am now intrigued and looking forward to the next one.
I usually like to smash out a lot, but I just downloaded Praiseworthy, which is 700 pages. So will be happy to get through that
It’s lovely. You wrap your book and write a blurb, and then everyone picks one that resonates. Swaps are allowed though.
Front cover of All Our Shimmering Skies, by Trent Dalton
First book of the holidays - All Our Shimmering Skies, obtained in the annual dandolo bookswap.
Beautifully written, with a great love of the Australian bush.
I assume you are well across this important news @joeconnell.bsky.social
You know how I love a good detailed policy chat.
The Albanese government has pledged two major changes to early childhood education and care in the run up to next year’s federal election.
It’s fantastic to see removal of the activity test, something #ozearlyed has advocated for long and hard. The investment in building services in thin markets is also very welcome; a laudable act of system stewardship.
ministers.education.gov.au/anthony-alba...
Cluster of ripening blueberries
@tvaughanedu.bsky.social & @joeconnell.bsky.social - we can talk berries once again!
I proudly present my first ever home grown blueberries.
@jcherrybriz.bsky.social Welcome! The #ozearlyed rebuilding can begin ;)
Hope you are having a great time in your cottage.
@joeconnell.bsky.social Welcome welcome