David Watson describes his professional relationship with Joan Sheldon. He discusses the remaining nine members of the Liberal Party who held onto their seats. He explains how Peter Beattie was able to use the media to his best advantage.
David Watson discusses leaving office in 1998 after Peter Beattie was elected, citing some of the possible causes of the electoral defeat. He comments on electoral rules, the rise of One Nation and the timing of the election.
David Watson discusses the Mundingburra by-election. He details the public service hit list and comments on appointments of directors general. He discusses his role as parliamentary secretary to the Treasurer and recalls the privatisation of Suncorp.
David Watson discusses campaign strategies, in particular those in the 1996 election. He explains the formal strategies used to prime the public against the Goss Government and explains how they campaigned to show that the National and Liberal parties could work together.
John Strano notes that Borbidge and Beattie had a very good relationship. He notes examples in the transition to the Beattie Government when investment deals still went ahead. He describes the importance of early investment projects, such as with Boeing, that led to Queensland being the Smart State before being labeled thus.
