Peter Ellis describes his move to Executive Chairman of the Queensland Coal Board. He notes his earlier work on the Savage Committee. He goes on to note the review of the coal board and the abolition of the coal board. He discusses Wayne Goss's coming to power and the perceptions of the public service by senior ministers at the time. He notes his own personal feelings from within the public service at this time of change.
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.
Erik Finger discusses the introduction of merit-based appointments under Mike Ahern, taking up the role as the head of Premier's Department in 1988, and his relationship with Premier Ahern.
Erik Finger discusses the relationship between Main Roads and other departments, particularly Treasury and Transport, and the impact of the 1987 Savage Review of the public service.
Leo Hielscher delves into the nature of public administration in the 1980s. He discusses the introduction of the operational audit service and the contract system in the public service. He discusses the Savage Report into the public service.
