No one is conscripted to work in politics, but we must prevent casualties

Your correspondent, having toiled in discrete (and discreet) roles through 30 years in the national capital, federal public servant, Gallery journalist and parliamentary staffer, now enjoys the elevated status (and carefully measured drinks and slightly stale canapes) of the ex-Parliamentary Officers group at annual get-togethers.

For new, young staffers, though, Canberra and Parliament House can be a very lonely, dispiriting experience. Canberrans, particularly those locals who work in the House, are not known for friendly gestures to newcomers. The unspoken protocols are many and intimidating, the rules harsh and failures are not forgiven. 

In contrast, young graduates entering the federal public service in Canberra are…