Jack Hutton comments on what he sees as the differences between North Queensland unionism and the rest of Queensland. He discusses the achievements of unions that are now taken for granted.
Darryl Noack speaks about the unique issues involved with working in North Queensland, concluding that the challenges concerning Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders (ATSI) are the most significant. He describes some of the difficulties facing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders as well as the AWU's influence in the career restructuring for ATSI Health Workers from 1994 to 1995. He also discusses the role of current District Secretary Stephen Christian.
Darryl Noack comments on the difficulties involved in his early role as a shop steward, ranging from his young age, inexperience, and the limited presence of FIA organisers from Brisbane and the absence of paid FIA organisers in North Queensland. He discusses the opening of a union sub branch in Townsville, led by secretary Harry Peebles, and how this impacted on the quality of unionism in his workplace, as well as the assistance of Fred Thompson.
Bill Marklew describes the differences in workplaces in North Queensland and in the cities. He comments on the influence this has on the role of unions.
Bill Marklew discusses the issues associated with being elected Assistant State Secretary while being based in Townsville rather than Brisbane. He comments that he was the only elected official in far North Queensland and describes how he was able to achieve this through his connections with the Australian Council of Trade Unions Queensland (ACTUQ) of which he was the President.
Martin Tenni delves into the environmental issues he dealt with during his ministerial career. He describes the threats he received over the Cape Tribulation Road.
Martin Tenni delves into the challenges of decentralisation and raising issues of importance. He notes those in cabinet who would support north Queensland issues.
Lesley Clark describes the belief in far North Queensland that the area did not get the attention it deserved, but she states the attitude did not reflect reality. She talks about the vulnerability of an economy based on agriculture and tourism and the tension between representing the electorate and the party.
