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.
Bill Marklew recalls the union positions he has held over his career including Deputy Delegate, Assistant Branch President, State President, Assistant State Secretary and State Secretary. He comments on the circumstances that lead to him being elected State Secretary in 2000.
Bill Marklew recalls his reasons for joining the Public Sector Union (PSU) when working in the telecommunication sector in Townsville. He describes how his Army background and a pay dispute lead to him becoming a Workplace Delegate for the PSU in 1994.
Roger Scott describes his relationship with the Teachers' Union and the Queensland Public Service Union and some of the issues that were raised. He describes his approach to consultation within the department and acknowledges that wide consultation was beneficial as both a public relations exercise and to gather information.
Jim Fouras discusses his decision to join the Labor Party following the 1966 election, contrasting the cohesion of that time with what he sees as the rampant self-interest of today, and commenting on his family's long involvement with left-wing politics.
Rob Borbidge considers his relationship with the public service and the public service union and contrasts his own approach with that of the Goss Government. He discusses the introduction of tenure for the term of government and the importance of this measure in improving relations with the public service.
