Bill Hewitt delves into the establishment of the select committee examining education policy and the influences on the committee's work. He discusses the role of Lionel Powell.
Bill Hewitt discusses the formation of the education committee which was the first select committee formed in 50 years. He then delves into other parliamentary structures and specific public policy issues that he was involved with during the Bjelke-Petersen era.
Ken Smith details the introduction of the prep year and its relation to government policy. He notes that Queensland had to play catch-up in delivering a number of public services.
Ken Smith notes the implementation of the Smart State strategy and encouraging a diversified economy and its influence upon senior schooling and education.
Jim Varghese discusses his working relationship with Dean Wells and Anna Bligh and the style differences between these two education ministers. He discusses the preparatory year of education implemented in Queensland.
Jim Varghese outlines his appointment as Director General of Education and the strategies he used to implement change. He discusses some of the policy initiatives, including New Basics, preparatory education and a restructuring of the SES.
Ann Scott discusses her early interest in education policy, particularly in the actions of the STOP and CARE group, and her first job at the North Brisbane College of Advanced Education, teaching courses tailored to give women more occupational mobility. She also discusses her PhD in the politics of education, focused on the impacts of the Ahern Committee, and her subsequent employment as a policy officer in the Education Department.
Rosemary Kyburz outlines her involvement with the Education Committee following Mike Ahern's education report. In 1974 Queensland had relatively few high schools and high school attendance was low. She discusses issues regarding teacher-librarians, classroom resources and sex education.
