Peter Henneken recalls his role in the 1990s. He discusses industrial relations and the development of the traineeship program. He notes the benefits and drawbacks of the accord and post-accord industrial relations policy. He also discusses wages bargaining in the public service.
Peter Henneken reflects on the different approaches of the Bjelke-Petersen and Goss governments to public sector management. He states that public servants were largely left alone during the Bjelke-Petersen Government. He also argues that public servants were ready for a change. He recalls his memories of the reform process.
Peter Henneken discusses his relationship with the ministers he served under. He touches on the internal politics of the Liberal Party. He notes the freedom that bureaucrats had over policy during this period. He discusses the culture in the public service under the Bjelke-Petersen regime.
Mal Grierson describes the Smart State strategy. He notes the influence of Peter Coaldrake and Glyn Davis, both out of the university system, upon the Beattie strategy. He describes the academic sector and its influence in securing funding from governments.
Tom Barton discusses the relationship between the unions and the incoming Goss Government in 1989 and the frequent frustration of the unions with the speed of the reform process.
Leigh Tabrett notes the incoming Education Minister Paul Braddy's agenda for the department, and comments more broadly on the relationships between the minister and their departments.
David Watson describes the public service reforms made by the Goss Government and gives his opinion on these reforms with regards to public service appointments. He comments on his relationship with Wayne Goss and makes general comments on Goss's leadership style.
Geoff Smith comments on the 1992 electoral defeat and discusses his own reasons for retiring. He states that closing down the railway workshops in Townsville was a time bomb and talks about the benefits of an incremental approach to politics.
