Terry Hogan compares the relationships between departmental heads and their Ministers at both the state and federal levels of government. He notes that while Commonwealth department heads typically dealt more in strategic policy, they tended to be more removed from practical application of policy than their state counterparts. He also comments on the relative quality of Ministers at state and federal levels, and on the introduction of ways to encourage policy coordination.
Terry Hogan reflects on the changes to his own working circumstances when Peter Beattie won office in 1998. He recalls being approached to head a policy coordination division within the Premier's Department, resuming some of the operations of the Office of the Cabinet. He describes his work chairing a Native Title taskforce for the premier.
Terry Hogan describes his role as a review manager in the PSMC, including undertaking a review of the Treasury Department. He notes that while some departments resisted change, others saw benefit in working with the review process.
Keith De Lacy recalls delivering a speech criticising the fiscal management of the previous government and the media fallout from this speech. He comments on the role of the Office of Cabinet during the Goss era.
John Mickel discusses the relationship between the Goss Government and the public service. He highlights the different public service expectations of the Bjelke-Petersen and Goss governments. He discusses the role of the Office of Cabinet.
Peter Coaldrake discusses Kevin Rudd and the role of the Office of Cabinet. He reflects on the relationships between the central agencies and the line departments.
