Paul Fennelly speaks of his department's interest and activity in the energy sector, in particular the gas export industry. He describes the Beattie Government's eagerness to pursue sources of energy production in addition to coal.
Michael Weise explains the success of the coal mining industry in maintaining CFMEU membership. He highlights the importance of having good local delegate structures.
Michael Weise explains how he came to be a member of the Construction, Forestry, Mining, and Energy Union (CFMEU) in 1989 when he joined the coal industry in Queensland. He outlines his career path with the CFMEU.
Darryl Noack discusses how he juggled his career and union roles as an FIA shop steward from 1973 to 1978 and delegate in 1979. He describes how he first joined the Australian Workers Union (AWU) whilst working as a rigger in a coal washing plant in Collinsville, Queensland, in 1979, and how he has remained with the union.
Denver Beanland comments on the role the AWU played in the Labor Party in 1950s and 1960s. He details the introduction of coal export trade for Queensland at Moura.
Denver Beanland outlines the relationship between local government and federal government, particularly in the area of loan funding for capital works. He discusses the abolition of the Death Duty by the Bjelke-Petersen government, and the surplus funds created by the coal industry.
Peter Ellis describes his move to Executive Chairman of the Queensland Coal Board. He notes his earlier work on the Savage Committee. He goes on to note the review of the coal board and the abolition of the coal board. He discusses Wayne Goss's coming to power and the perceptions of the public service by senior ministers at the time. He notes his own personal feelings from within the public service at this time of change.
Gerard Bradley discusses the relationship between Treasury and the Queensland government when he joined the public service in the 1970s. He notes his move from the finance area of Treasury to the area of research and development that did commercial work. This new role, in the 1980s, drew him into quoting rail freight prices and negotiating with coal companies, as well as gas development and sugar pricing.