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.
Michael Weise explains the importance of mining unions having an international presence, particularly in terms of their responsibilites to workers in parts of the world that have less protective legislation than workers in Australia. He describes the challenges and strategies that are undertaken at an international level by the mining unions.
Michael Weise discusses the formation of the Pilbara Mineworkers Union in the early 2000s and the lessons learnt from this union. He describes some of the other unions that have had coverage in the Pilbara.
Michael Weise explains the success of the coal mining industry in maintaining CFMEU membership. He highlights the importance of having good local delegate structures.
Walter Threlfall details other industrial disputes in which the ETU was involved, particularly the Mount Isa Mine lockout and the Weipa dispute in the early 1990s.
Darryl Noack speaks about the low level of union membership in Weipa today. He contrasts this with Bell Bay, describing why he believes the town to have a stronger union presence.
Darryl Noack talks of the significance of the Weipa experience, describing it as the first major setback against trade unions. He contrasts it with the later Workplace Relations Act and Work Choices policies.
Darryl Noack comments on situations similar to the Weipa experience across Queensland. He comments on the globalised corporate philosophy that led to the experience, as well as the subsequent histories written on the event.
Darryl Noack discusses the final arbitration in the Weipa dispute, describing how the unions and the Federal Commission contributed to the outcome. He comments on what he perceived to be unfair contracts.
