John Mickel describes Anna Bligh's rise to become Deputy Premier. He discusses his own political career and his appointment to Indigenous Affairs. He discusses his relationship with Indigenous community leaders and refers to the Government Champions program.
Warren Pitt states his greatest achievement from his time in Communities was the development of an inclusive and open culture. He discusses his views on alcohol management.
Ruth Matchett outlines her visit in 1992 to Canada with Minister Anne Warner (1989-95) and Norma Jones to examine indigenous issues, and her experiences of Inuits and Native Americans and the implications for Indigenous policy in Australia.
Ruth Matchett discusses changes made in 1990 to give Indigenous Councils more control, but the subsequent lack of resources. She describes her experience of going to Lockhardt River and discovering the unacceptable situation of lack of affordable quality food. She discusses the amount of money required to remedy problems. She gives her opinion on the Northern Territory Intervention. She discusses solutions to the Stolen Wages issue.
Ruth Matchett comments on the qualities of Anne Warner as Minister for Family Services (1989-95) and the priorities of the department including child protection legislation, moving away from the paternalistic approach in Aboriginal and Islander Affairs, new legislation in the disability area, child care, and ageing including the introduction of the Seniors Card. In the first 1-2 years there were 10 major pieces of legislation.
Ruth Matchett describes how her experience with Aboriginal and Islander affairs came from contact with the Indigenous community through the children's court and domestic violence. She discusses the approach made to her to act in the position of Director General under the Goss Government leading to her becoming the first woman director general in Queensland.
