Peter Ellis discusses the early days of the Borbidge Government and the process of appointing positions in the senior public service. He also discusses the length of contracts for senior public servants appointed during the Borbidge Government. He notes that many appointments were carried across from the previous government. He also notes what might have happened if Borbidge had a second term.
Ian McLean considers the lessons for the Labor Party from the intervention. He then reflects on the role of the media and the place of the Labor Party in the mass movement.
Ian McLean discusses the emergence of the factional system. He discusses the links between the left and unions and the role of the union movement in the modern Labor Party.
Ian McLean discusses the 1980 election for the state secretary position, which he lost to Peter Beattie. He notes Beattie's support for the initiatives being proposed by the left, including affirmative action and proportional representation.
Mike Horan discusses the appointments of directors general by the Borbidge Government and the continuing appointment of Robert Stable as Director General of Health. He talks about his negotiations with the AWU and the Nurses Union over wages. He notes how ministerial management style is changing.
Mike Horan details his relationship with the public service when he was a Shadow Minister. He describes his relationship with Robert Stable, and the agreement they struck prior to the 1995 election of appointing him Director General. He outlines removing levels of bureaucracy when he became Health Minister, and the importance of Robert Stable.
Molly Robson discusses the professional relationships built during her political career, her approach to these relationships, her reputation and the role of opposition. She explains the need for preparation prior to parliament and discusses the role of ministerial staff with regards to advice, crisis management and the management of the media.
Mal Grierson discusses the time it took to rebuild the knowledge base in the public service after the sweeping changes that the Goss Government enacted. He describes the end of the Goss era and the polarised relationship that occurred between the Premier and the public service. He contrasts Goss with the style of Peter Beattie.
