A collection of my work in print, radio and online

News

Middle-aged men missing out on friendship can face physical and mental health risks: What are the health impacts for the one in four middle-aged men who find themselves in a friendship lull? | ABC News, April 2016.

The grey ghettos: seniors on the fringes doing it tough: A landmark analysis of census data shows that a “wellbeing divide” is emerging among older Australians, with housing the key issue. | Australian Ageing Agenda, February, 2016.

Government’s mental health reforms criticised for ignoring seniors: Leading mental health experts and seniors groups have panned the Federal Government’s new mental health reforms for failing to address the needs of older people and those living in residential aged care. | Australian Ageing Agenda, November, 2015.

Agencies raise concerns over response to worsening elder abuse: The failure of successive federal governments to invest in a national elder abuse strategy means that authorities are in the dark as to the scale of the issue or which prevention and intervention strategies work best, researchers and support agencies have warned. | Australian Ageing Agenda, November, 2015.

Need for carer supports highlighted in homicide research: Family carers having homicidal thoughts about their loved one with dementia is a “real and significant phenomenon” according to world-first Australian research, which reaffirms the profound pressures facing carers. | Australian Ageing Agenda, July 2015.

Federal aged care legislation not prescriptive enough on staffing, NSW inquiry told: Aged care peak bodies and providers in NSW have argued against expanding state laws to require nurses at all residential facilities 24/7, while GPs, nurse groups and seniors advocate for the measure. | Australian Ageing Agenda, July 2015.

Regional infrastructure body proposed: A new proposal aims to make regional infrastructure projects appealing to the big end of town. | Rebuilding the Nation, May 2013. 

Local government criticises referendum delay: The 7 September election date rules out the planned referendum, and with it, any chance of constitutional recognition of local government. | Rebuilding the Nation, August 2013.

Profiles

Changing our view on ageing: In a new book, former minister for ageing Mark Butler challenges common misconceptions on the ageing population – from how treasury reports on the economic ‘burden’ to the role of media and entertainment. | Australian Ageing Agenda, October 2015.

Life in the grey: As CEO of Baptistcare, a major provider of aged, disability and mental health services in Western Australia, Dr Lucy Morris has a wide view of modern Australian society and, as she tells Darragh O’Keeffe, she’s disturbed by the current public discourse. | Australian Ageing Agenda, March 2014.

Turning big ideas about ageing into action: Think tank Per Capita has established a ‘do tank’, the Centre for Applied Policy in Positive Ageing, to turn promising proposals into functioning programs. Its executive director Emily Millane tells Darragh O’Keeffe how it will work. | Australian Ageing Agenda, July 2015.

Features

Good fences make good neighbours: Educators, business and community groups have come together with one message for government: boost Asia literacy in schools, or face the dire consequences. | Education Review, March 2011. 

Pushing through the glass ceiling: Women make up the majority of the aged care workforce but their numbers drop markedly at the higher levels of industry leadership. Darragh O’Keeffe asks prominent female CEOs why this is the case, and what should be done about it. | Insite, August 2011.

Naplan nightmares: Is the high stakes testing regime having a psychological impact on young children? Some parenting experts think so, while UK educators warn Australia of the lessons they’ve learned. | Education Review, August 2011. 

Down but not out: The unique challenges faced by adolescents with a chronic illness or injury and how schools can best support them. | Education Review, February 2010. 

A lack of chemistry: The figures are disputed but there is a worrying downward trend in science enrolments in senior years. Darragh O’Keeffe speaks to experts about causes and solutions, and to the Chief Scientist as he prepares advice for government. | Education Review, February 2012. 

Sticking to the plan: The NZ Government’s major investment in infrastructure has supported the economy through the recession, Deputy Prime Minister Bill English tells Darragh O’Keeffe. | Rebuilding the Nation, June 2013. 

Next stop, the world: Competing in one of Sydney Eisteddfod’s numerous events can lead to anywhere – even a successful career overseas, as countless past participants can attest, writes Darragh O Keeffe. | 80 Years of Sydney Eisteddfod, April 2013.