Paul Fennelly talks about his department's role in supporting development projects and investment in Queensland's traditional primary industries, and the department's relations with this sector. He outlines the importance of the role of Coordinator General in determining support for certain projects, but notes that this process may have become overused by state governments.
Terry Hogan discusses his involvement in the beginnings of the Smart State period, when he headed a policy development unit in the Premier's Department. He observes that the strategy began as a political slogan representing what the Beattie Government wanted to stand for. He notes that the Newman Government has gone through a similar branding exercise, albeit with more traditional economic objectives.
Terry Hogan outlines his move from the Premier's Department in 1999 to become Director General of the Natural Resources Department. He states that this shift was tied to the government's moves to halt broad-scale tree clearing in Queensland's western rural land holdings. He details some of the industry groups and figures that he negotiated with over this issue.
Peter Andrews revisits the theme of state government involvement in developing the scientific research sector in Queensland. He recalls some of the senior bureaucrats and government Ministers he worked with through his office.
Peter Andrews details the establishment of the Institute for Molecular Bioscience at the University of Queensland. He explains how the state government came to be involved in its foundation and funding.
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.
Jim Varghese reflects on his achievements as Director General in the Department of Main Roads and Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries including pushing a reform agenda for sugar industries, dealing with natural disasters, building research centres and linking research. He states that he would have preferred to continue as director general a little longer in Education to make further changes.
