Jim Elder discusses the role of factions in the party. He notes his ideological position and his ties with the AWU and associated party branches. He discusses preselection and election.
Jim Elder discusses his early childhood and education. He details his career in the private sector, his membership of Young Labor and his entry into parliament in 1989.
Peter Coaldrake states that he held the position of dean for three years, before moving to become head of school at QUT. He became a pro-vice-chancellor of research but decided to work for government after the election of Wayne Goss.
Rod Welford describes the Labor Party losing power in 1995 and the impact this had on the following years. He notes the differences between Wayne Goss and Peter Beattie in how they sensed the public approval of their policies. He discusses what he observed as the high work ethic of Wayne Goss that informed his decision making. He discusses the stress and responsibility that is placed on a premier and how Wayne Goss and Peter Beattie dealt with these.
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.
Robin Sullivan describes her interactions with education lobby groups as a teacher in the latter days of the Bjelke-Petersen Government, and again as a public servant in the Goss Government. She comments on the growing influence of industry groups on educational policy, and the push for a national set of core competencies.
