Robin Sullivan notes the early attempts at interstate co-operation over school curriculum, and the contention over matters related to environment and Indigenous history. She discusses the genesis of the Smart State slogan, and comments that it had far more impact on tertiary and industrial education than on schools.
Joan Sheldon describes federal-state relations during the Borbidge years. She comments that while there were advantages to dealing with a coalition federal government there was still conflict.
Brian Head comments on his years in the public service, reflecting that he counts his own learning curve and the establishment of Premiers Conferences (which became COAG) as two of his greatest achievements. He discusses his work with leadership programs in the public service, particularly given the resistance to these initiatives. He remarks on the influence that working in a variety of postings in government has had on his own research into good governance since he left the public service in 2003.
Brian Head discusses his job in the Queensland Premier's Department in the context of the changes wrought by Prime Minister Bob Hawke's new federalism, as well as his position as Cabinet Secretary and the reshaping of the Cabinet Office.
Wayne Goss speaks about re-establishing the Gold Coast railway line, infrastructure planning and investment more broadly, and relations with the federal government.
Ruth Matchett comments on the decision to move juvenile corrections to Department of Corrective Services in 1994. Discusses implications of establishment of COAG in 1992 and the role of the Commonwealth in the state department.
