Martin Tenni notes his decision to join the National Party while serving as Shire Chairperson. He notes the various committees he was a part of when he was elected to parliament. He also states that he served as both a state MP and finished his term on the Mareeba Shire Council and highlights the enormous time commitment his responsibilities involved.
Martin Tenni discusses his childhood and education. He was born in Cairns in 1934. He completed his primary schooling in Freshwater and then intermediate in Cairns but had to leave school after the death of his father. He was employed by a hardware company, he transferred to Mareeba and eventually bought his own hardware company. He describes expanding the business and the decision to stand for the Council. He rose to become the Shire Chairperson before it was suggested that he run for state government. He describes his campaign and election.
Jim Soorley discusses the Brisbane City Council's involvement in water policy. He notes early working relations with the Beattie Government and collaborating with other Councils in South-east Queensland.
Jim Soorley discusses negotiating with Brisbane's firefighters over working conditions. He describes restructuring Councillors' and Council employees' superannuation schemes.
Yvonne Chapman explains how after leaving state politics she returned to local government following a court case between the family panelbeating business and the Council.
Lesley Clark discusses her desire to extend the role of council beyond 'roads, rates and rubbish'. She highlights her achievements in environmental and social welfare areas during her time in local government. She discusses her decision to join the Labor Party.
Yvonne Chapman explains how she became a member of both the Liberal and National parties. She discusses her time in Council as a Liberal member and joining the National Party after she was approached by Joh Bjelke-Petersen. She discusses her experiences in local government and comments on the difference between state and local government.
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.
Desley Boyle reflects on the skills and connections gained while in local government as Councillor and then Deputy Mayor, and her work developing a city plan for Cairns.
