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Damien Costas | |
|---|---|
| Born | May 15, 1981 Adelaide, South Australia |
| Occupation | Entrepreneur |
| Website | DamienCostas.com |
Damien Costas (born 15 May 1981) is an Australian publisher, author, and entrepreneur. He is known for his role as Editor-in-Chief of Australian Penthouse, for co-founding the U.S.-based fintech company 24/7 Credit Co., and for the 2025 book What Happened to the Lucky Country?
Costas gained public attention for overseeing editorial changes at Australian Penthouse, repositioning the publication away from adult content toward commentary on cultural and political issues. [1]
In 2017, Costas organised a national Australian tour for British political commentator Milo Yiannopoulos, which drew large audiences and widespread media attention. The tour was noted for its profitability as well as for protests and political debate it sparked in multiple cities. [2]
In 2019, Costas hosted former UKIP leader Nigel Farage for an Australian speaking engagement, continuing his company's strategy of importing controversial international political figures. [3] Media coverage of the Farage tour focused on its reception in conservative and libertarian circles, as well as the backlash it generated from progressive commentators. [4]
The Guardian Australia reported in 2019 that Costas had been involved in organizing speaking tours for controversial figures as part of what it described as 'an emerging market for rightwing speaking tours.' According to the publication, Costas told Guardian Australia that he 'didn't expect [the Yiannopoulos tour] to be as big as it was,' adding: 'We didn’t realise I think just how disenfranchised people in Australia felt, particularly young men'. [5]
In 2022, Costas organized a second Australian tour for Farage. The event was also associated with the launch of the social media platform GETTR in the country. [6] [7]
In 2023, Costas co-founded 24/7 Credit Co., a fintech company incorporated in Delaware, United States. The company's primary product is 24/7, a mobile application that allows users to process credit card payments via smartphone. According to the company, users span various industries including arts and entertainment, beauty services, hospitality, retail, and professional services. [8]
In 2025, he authored and published What Happened to the Lucky Country?, a nonfiction work examining cultural and political developments in Australia since the mid-20th century. [9] The book critiques what Costas views as the decline of national identity, the rise of bureaucratic overreach, and the erosion of traditional values in favour of globalist and postmodern ideologies. It explores themes such as identity, social media, education, and government policy, drawing on history, psychology, and political theory. The work received attention in conservative and libertarian circles and was positioned as a manifesto for restoring what Costas calls "authentic egalitarianism" and civic resilience. [10] The book featured a foreword by former federal Australian Labor Party leader and current New South Wales MP Mark Latham, who has subsequently said "Damien Costas is something of a polymath, a very intelligent man. He has written a good analysis of politics downstream from culture. I learnt a lot from reading it." [11]
In 2019, Costas was declared bankrupt following a dispute with a creditor. [12] However, the bankruptcy was annulled in May 2021 under Section 73 of the Bankruptcy Act 1966. The annulment was supported by the vast majority of creditors, some of whom raised concerns about the process that led to the bankruptcy. [13] The annulment effectively restored Costas's financial standing. The Australian Financial Security Authority (AFSA) later issued a caution to the trustee involved, citing irregularities in the administration and in communication with creditors. [14]
Costas has commented publicly on issues related to free expression, media responsibility, and political debate in Australia. [15] He has been featured in radio interviews, opinion pieces, and podcasts discussing shifts in Australian culture and politics. His work has drawn both support and criticism, with some commentators crediting him with introducing a new generation of political provocateurs to Australian audiences.
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