Jim Varghese discusses his working relationship with Dean Wells and Anna Bligh and the style differences between these two education ministers. He discusses the preparatory year of education implemented in Queensland.
Jim Varghese speaks on the origins of the Smart Start strategy, the aftermath of Glyn Davis leaving the department and the affects of this strategy on the Education Department.
Desley Boyle discusses serving in both the Beattie and Bligh governments, lauding Beattie for his Smart State initiative, and Bligh for her management of the 2010-11 natural disasters.
Peter Beattie discusses his decision to retire from politics, his work to foster talent within the party in order to transition the leadership of the party, and initial resistance to his selection of a female successor.
Peter Beattie speaks about his first term as premier, and the creation of the first cabinet. He discusses subsequent cabinets, and the challenge of dealing with ministers of varying abilities.
