John Hay comments on his relationships with government during his time as Vice-Chancellor. He comments on the generosity of Chuck Feeney and the injection of philanthropic funds into higher education. He comments on the influence of American universities on his thinking regarding working with governments.
Peter Coaldrake discusses the tradition of state government involvement in Queensland universities and education. He discusses the Smart State agenda and the role of Chuck Feeney.
Lawrence Springborg discusses Beattie's media skills and the Smart State policy. He describes Smart State as building on the work of earlier governments.
Jim Soorley describes his impressions of the Beattie Government's Smart State strategy, and how it impacted upon Brisbane and the BCC. He notes the beginnings of government interest in research investment in medical institutes and universities.
Leigh Tabrett recalls the development of the Smart State slogan for Queensland and the concomitant investment in research and higher education during the Goss and Beattie governments, as well as the growing interest in creative industries.
Ken Smith describes the implementation of the Smart State strategy and the role it played in the Education Department. He outlines his involvement with the strategy, specifically his work with philanthropies, universities, the state and the commonwealth.
John Strano discusses the relationship of corporate philanthropy and the Smart State strategy. He notes that as part of the investment unit that he worked in he set up the venture capital team. He recalls Peter Beattie taking part in the Australian venture capital conference. He notes that the Bligh Government has now abandoned the venture capital team along with the Smart State branding.
Peter Beattie reflects on his policy initiatives, identifying the Smart State suite of policies as his greatest achievement, and reiterating his belief in the importance of research and innovation in Queensland's future.
Ross Rolfe describes the relationship between government and vice chancellors under the Beattie era, including John Hay at UQ, and Dennis Gibson at QUT, Glyn Davis's links between government and Griffith University, and the role of Ken Fletcher and billionaire philanthropist Chuck Feeney.
