Bob Quinn discusses his goals as Minister for Education. He highlights the constraints placed on the department by Treasury and his support for the self-management of schools. He describes how the devolution of power was then reversed by the incoming Beattie government.
Bob Quinn explains his decision to retain Frank Peach as the Director General of Education. He states that ministers had a lot of control over the appointment of directors general for their departments. He describes allowing Peach to take responsibility for hiring and firing in the department. He discusses political appointments to the public service.
Bob Quinn discusses the allocation of portfolios after the re-formation of the Coalition and the reasons why the Liberals were given responsibility for education.
Bob Quinn reflects on his period as a Shadow Minister during the Goss government when he became Shadow Minister for Education. He states that his desire to improve education in Queensland was one factor that influenced his decision to stand for parliament.
Rod Welford discusses the transition when Anna Bligh became Deputy Premier and he took over her portfolios of Education and Arts. He notes that his relationship with Director General Ken Smith was testing. He describes that much of this tension stemmed from his style of leadership that wanted to engage with senior staff. He lists some of the key creations at the Education Department while he was the Minister and conflict with the QTU.
Roger Scott discusses some of the difficulties of being the Director General of Education and talks about how his tenure as director general was terminated.
Roger Scott comments on the objectives and effects of decentralisation of the Education Department. He notes the issue of school closures during his time as director general and outlines the political difficulties in closing schools.
Roger Scott comments on both the process and effects of the decision to abolish school inspectors. He discusses the high number of school inspectors who chose to leave rather than accept other positions within the department.
