(* with apologies to Mark Twain).

In response to my post This blog is no longer sponsored (September 17, 2025) I’ve received lots of lovely comments, which I appreciate, but some indicate a misunderstanding.  As I said in that post this is my transition to retirement, not retirement per se. I was not announcing the end of my blog, just that I am no longer being sponsored to write it.

When I began the blog, I worked at the University of New England (UNE; Armidale) and I continued it when I moved to the Australian National University (ANU; Canberra).  The blog was, in my view, a useful way to share the research that I was being paid to do by publicly funded institutions.  It was part of my service to the community.  When I left the ANU (in 2019, an involuntary redundancy) I needed to earn a living and given this blog took time from other work I approached my sponsors who generously agreed to support me.

Now that I have reached the golden age when I can access my superannuation (and get a NSW Seniors Card!) I have began a transition to retirement.  As I’ve said in that original post ‘The blog will keep going but it will return to being a ‘labour of love’ rather than part of my job [but] …  I will continue it only for as long as I continue to enjoy it and think it is of use but without a contracted obligation to continue.’

I continue to support, and be supported by, my sponsors, for example I spoke at the Australasian College of Paramedicine’s International Conference earlier this month, and I will be speaking at the Australian Paramedics Association (Queensland) conference next month. Contributing to the average age of Australian volunteers I have also joined the NSW RFS and therefore the RFSA.

So thank you for the kind words, they confirm the work is of use, but the blog’s not (yet) closing.  It’s ‘transitioning’, but to what remains to be seen. I will continue to write it whilst it continues to be enjoyable and valued.

This blog is a general discussion of legal principles only.  It is not legal advice. Do not rely on the information here to make decisions regarding your legal position or to make decisions that affect your legal rights or responsibilities. For advice on your particular circumstances always consult an admitted legal practitioner in your state or territory.