David Williams recounts his departure from the public service in 2003 to become CEO of a new government-owned events agency in Scotland. He describes his deliberations over the decision to leave, and how the operations of the Scottish agency differed from his work in Queensland.
Rod Welford discusses the importance of the relationship between minister, director general and departmental staff. He notes the importance of leadership and setting an agenda, and his process of Ministerial Issues Briefings.
Rod Welford discusses the transition when Anna Bligh became Deputy Premier and he took over her portfolios of Education and Arts. He notes that his relationship with Director General Ken Smith was testing. He describes that much of this tension stemmed from his style of leadership that wanted to engage with senior staff. He lists some of the key creations at the Education Department while he was the Minister and conflict with the QTU.
Rod Welford recalls events at Christmas party which were referred to the CMC. He describes the later appointment of Rachel Hunter from the Public Service Commission as Director General of the department.
Peter Henneken discusses the role of ministerial minders and their interactions with the public service in the 1990s. He segues into employment arrangements in the public service, including the impact of the contract system on advice. He discusses public service activism and the role that public servants can play in shaping the policy agenda.
