David Williams outlines the performance-based contracts that public service heads were signed to under the Beattie government, describing the expectations that he and other senior executives faced. He speaks about how his department supported the government's agenda.
Paul Fennelly describes the addition of the Innovation portfolio to the State Development Department under the Beattie Government. He comments on the machinery of government changes following elections generally, and on the changes specifically to State Development while he was Director General.
Paul Fennelly outlines his department's role in supporting the Research & Development sector and attracting high-technology industries and researchers to Queensland. He comments on the success that university vice-chancellors enjoyed in lobbying the Beattie Government. He states that this 'innovation' agenda was driven by Premier Beattie who enjoyed close links with research industry figures.
Peter Andrews talks about how, after retiring from the University of Queensland, he was approached by Premier Peter Beattie to become Queensland's Chief Scientist. He outlines what the role involved and the senior Ministers he provided advice to, including when he produced the draft Q2 agenda for later Premier Anna Bligh.
Tony McGrady discusses his role in the Innovation portfolio. He discusses the impact of One Nation on negotiations with international investors when he was a minister.
Frank Peach explains the proposal and implementation of internet access for schools. He comments on the continuing challenge to governments to choose the right policies to fund.
Scott Prasser decribes the effect of the Smart State policy in departments he was associated with including State Development, and the establishment of the International Science and Technology Unit. He describes the creation in the second Beattie Government of the Department of Innovation under Minister Paul Lucas, and its contribution to Science Week. He discusses the production of the Smart State Initiatives booklet and the relabelling of programs under Smart State.
