Australian Biography Series - HC 'Nugget' Coombs (Study Guide)

Synopsis

Dr H. C. 'Nugget' Coombs was one of Australia’s most outstanding and influential public servants, serving and advising seven prime ministers over a 30-year period. His many public appointments included Director of Rationing, Director-General of Post-War Reconstruction, Governor of the Reserve Bank, Chairman of the Australian Council for Aboriginal Affairs, Chairman of the Australia Council for the Arts, Chancellor of the Australian National University, Chairman of the Elizabethan Theatre Trust and Governor of the Commonwealth Bank. Charismatic and energetic, Coombs had a profound influence behind the scenes in business and politics, dealing with prime ministers, officials and top business people. He worked hard to achieve a distinctive social, economic and cultural place for all Australians, particularly Aboriginal Australians. 

Curriculum Links

Australian Biography: H. C. ‘Nugget’ Coombs will have interest and relevance for students from middle to senior secondary levels studying Modern History, Legal Studies, English, Geography, Economics, Citizenship, Aboriginal Studies, Studies of Society and Environment and Business Studies.