Manfred Cross and Barbara Cross remember that new people joined the ALP at the time of Whitlam's campaign but many THG members didn't like educated people coming in to the ALP. Manfred Cross makes the point that Alex Macdonald when he was TLC Secretary, was very supportive on Aboriginal issues and provided money to Manfred to assist North Queensland Aboriginal people to attend ALP conferences. He recalls other unions also provided financial support, including Joe McGinnis, a watersider from Cairns.
Bob Henricks discusses the ALP splitters including Gerry Jones, Clem Jones, Harry Hauenschild, Neal Kane, Fred Whitby and Tom Burton with support from Ron McLean, Secretary of the 'Wharfies'.
Jack Hutton discusses some of the issues he dealt with as a member of the Townsville Trades and Labor Council. He describes the relationship between the Australian Labor Party (ALP) and the Trades and Labor Council, particularly in relation to the annual Labour Day March and Picnic.
Rob Borbidge considers his relationship with the public service and the public service union and contrasts his own approach with that of the Goss Government. He discusses the introduction of tenure for the term of government and the importance of this measure in improving relations with the public service.
