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.
Terry Hogan outlines the administrative changes when the Mines Department was added to Natural Resources in 2001. He describes the complexity of the Beattie Government's early interest in developing coal seam gas as a resource commodity.
Tony McGrady discusses his experience as minister when a coal seam gas regime for Queensland was proposed. He details his experience of the second Moura mine disaster and the introduction of mine safety legislation.
Lawrence Springborg discusses policy issues he dealt with as minister. He describes the beginnings of coal seam gas, compulsory property acquisition, water and state ownership of land. He outlines the challenges of being a parliamentarian and minister.
Peter Beattie reflects on his policy initiatives, identifying the Smart State suite of policies as his greatest achievement, and reiterating his belief in the importance of research and innovation in Queensland's future.
Ross Rolfe reflects on the relationship between premiers and universities, including Peter Beattie and Mike Ahern, and Peter Beattie's ability to convince the media of its importance. He describes the spread of Smart State-ism to other activities including 'clean coal' technologies, gas, coal seam methane, and aviation. He describes the failure in the synchrotron bid and the resulting initiative with Paul Greenfield of the University of Queensland to get federal funding for the AIBN.
