Rachel Hunter discusses the notion of the Smart State, focusing on the application of the ideal to the public service and the impact on higher education and research.
Mal Grierson details the transition from Goss to Borbidge to Beattie. He notes that the Borbidge win appeared as a surprise. He also got the impression that machinery around Borbidge was not ready to take government. In his view, Borbidge then turned to the people he knew had experience, such as Peter Ellis and Kevin Davies. He notes that the return of these senior public servants was quite surprising to many people in the public service. He notes the removal of Under Treasurer Gerard Bradley and many other removals that caused dismay in the public service.
Mal Grierson describes himself as both a centralist and an old Westminster style public servant. He describes how he styles his relationship with ministers. He notes that there was a politicisation of the public service post-Goss. He notes that this politicisation of public sector has happened throughout Australia and the world.
Jim Soorley describes the BCC's relations with the Beattie Government, and his own working relationship with Peter Beattie. He details initiatives that the Council and state government collaborated on to different extents. He notes the Council's involvement in the sale of Brisbane Airport and Council's acquisition of land.
Jim Soorley discusses the Brisbane City Council's involvement in water policy. He notes early working relations with the Beattie Government and collaborating with other Councils in South-east Queensland.
Leigh Tabrett recalls the development of the Smart State slogan for Queensland and the concomitant investment in research and higher education during the Goss and Beattie governments, as well as the growing interest in creative industries.
Lesley Clark discusses her decision to contest the 1998 election. One Nation obtained considerable support but she managed to win the seat. She highlights her reliance on Green preferences and her fraught relationship with the Greens.
Ken Smith reflects on the Smart State strategy of Beattie in light of his work with the Bligh Government. He details the importance of immigration in diversifying the Queensland economy and the influence this had on the vision of governments. He describes different Queensland regional economies that are declining and burgeoning.
