Paul Fennelly describes his department's role in implementing the Beattie Government's Smart State agenda. He gives his impressions of how the strategy was being received by industry and within the government, and how funding for initiatives was procured and dispersed. He reflects on the department's achievements in attracting new industries to Queensland.
John Strano discusses the Smart State by describing what he thought the Smart State was and that it was more than a rocks and crops economy. He also discusses the part he played in making the strategy happen, largely in facilitating investment. He goes on to note the cumbersome processes that crept into his job near the end of his time and the issue of briefing notes.
John Strano discusses the deal that brought Virgin Blue airlines to Queensland. He notes that the offer incentive was similar to the Victorians but Queensland had a better value proposition because they could underwrite seats through the state owned travel agency. He notes that the offer incentive was betwen $12-14 million. It was a deal struck with the help of leaders in government including the Premier and Deputy Premier.
Peter Beattie discusses the work his government did to establish Queensland as a base for major companies like Virgin, and the impact that increased airline competition had on travel and the Queensland economy.
