Martin Tenni delves into the challenges of decentralisation and raising issues of importance. He notes those in cabinet who would support north Queensland issues.
Martin Tenni discusses the financing of infrastructure projects. He states that financing came from state and federal funding as opposed to private investment. He then discusses some water projects.
David Watson discusses the consultation process during public housing reforms. He relates how the package was leaked to the press but this worked in the department's favour.
Frank Peach explains the difficulties in gaining a position as a school inspector. He attributes some of these difficulties to being a well known Queensland Teachers' Union representative.
Ken Smith describes his working relationship with Anna Bligh. He details the administrative requirements of creating a cabinet following an election. He describes his work with the Public Service Commission in reducing the number of departments from twenty-four to thirteen and the subsequent reduction in directors general. He notes the implications this creation had for the relationship between the bureaucracy and ministers.
Ken Smith describes the political process and his relationships to ministers outside his specific departments and how this changed when he became Director General of the Department of the Premier and Cabinet. He notes his weekly meetings with directors general and his regular communication with ministers. He describes the regular meetings of cabinet that occur every week, and the routine of government.
John Strano discusses the growing emphasis on process not outcomes. He notes the difficulty of dealing with advisors and many of the cumbersome processes required to get legislation through. He recalls the difficult legislative processes from when he ran the manufactoring group in the DEEDI. He discusses content free middle managers in departments. He notes that this emphasis on process was very different to when he commenced in the public service.
