Antipodean Heros Nugget Coombs and his place in the postwar order

The publication of Tim Rowse’s biography of H.C. Coombs provides an appropriate context to further explore the life of Coombs. In particular, the relationship between Coombs and his environment is an important consideration, given Coombs’ iconic status in ‘progressive’ circles in Australia. Inquiry into the factors that both facilitated and constrained Coombs’ influence suggests that his influence has been overstated. But Coombs’ experience is relevant for a better understanding of the origins of the current economic policy regime in Australia.
· Coombs [The Drawing Board, University of Sydney]