Tom Barton reflects on the contentious relationship between the Goss Government and the unions, Queensland Rail and competition policy, and the corporatisation and privatisation of government services.
Wilf Ardill describes the various unions he was a member of during his working life. He relates how he became a member of the Australian Labor Party and describes the formation of the Coolangatta and Burleigh Heads branches of the party.
Gerard Bradley discusses Treasury's role in the corporatisation process that occurred in the early 1990s. He notes that at this time more commercial balance sheets were developed that reviewed the way investment decisions were carried out. He notes the changes to Queensland Rail at this time after corporatisation.
Gerard Bradley describes the strong relationships between the Queensland Treasury and treasury departments in other states. He recalls attending a budget officers conference in New Zealand which opened his eyes to the process of corporatisation that was occuring in New Zealand. After this conference he thought that this corporate approach could be brought to Queensland, for organisations such as Queensland Rail.
Ken Smith talks about the BCC by noting some of the important projects it completed. He notes the confusion within the community about which government delivers specific services.
David Hamill discusses the early days of the Goss Government and the restructuring involved to form government. He recalls early conversations with Wayne Goss regarding his commitment to strengthening economic and business growth and the ministry. He comments on the previous National Party structure.
Leo Hielscher discusses working with the CoG and the government. He discusses the role of the loan council in funding capital works. He describes seeking a loan from the World Bank.
Wayne Goss speaks about re-establishing the Gold Coast railway line, infrastructure planning and investment more broadly, and relations with the federal government.
Ross Rolfe discusses the budgetary process in the Beattie Government, and the ability of the Department of State Development to finance some of its own inititaives through ownership of industrial land. He discusses his relationship with other departments including Health, Main Roads, and Queensland Rail and the implications of the resources boom for rail and port infrastructure.
