John Mickel describes his shift to Minister for State Development in 2006. He discusses the Smart State agenda, the response to this initiative internationally and the level of cynicism displayed by the media and the public towards the concept.
Peter Wellington considers the Smart State strategy. He describes his dislike of the Smart State number plates. He suggests that while it was a genuine policy, the brand overtook the policy. He discusses Beattie's leadership style.
Paul Reynolds outlines the rise of One Nation and the significance of Pauline Hanson to the Labor reform agenda. He notes that the development of Smart State rhetoric was an attempt to include the wider Queensland population within the government's reform agenda.
Paul Reynolds comments on the Smart State initiative. He notes Beattie's education reform and funding agenda which attempted to move Queensland away from mining and agriculture to education and technology.
Tony McGrady discusses the roots of the Smart State in the Goss government's policies. He discusses what the Smart State encompassed, including education, government, and employment.
