Greg Moran discusses the 1971 Springboks visit to Brisbane when he was eleven when he admired the ALP stand against apartheid, establishing it as a party for social justice.
Bob Gleeson comments on the social ferment of the 1960s and 1970s that did not filter through to the bush, although they actively discussed and supported many of the issues within their branch. He reflects on the major social policy issues which became part of the ALP platform, including medicare, workers compensation and annual leave.
Robin Sullivan discusses the method of appointment of directors general and commissioners, and comments on the various Education Ministers under which she served.
Robin Sullivan discusses becoming the first woman Deputy Director General of Education in 1997 in the context of contemporary social justice reforms, and her interest in expanding these reforms into curriculum development. She comments on the discrimination she faced in taking on the role, and talks about changing approaches to numeracy and literacy, and the notion of a national curriculum.
Robin Sullivan outlines her decision to join the public service in terms of a search for development, and the climate of reform. She discusses the additional skills she was able to bring to the role because she had real life experience of teaching.
Anne Warner describes the underpinning issue of social justice as an important theme that held the department together and gave her purpose. She states Aboriginal affairs was a significant issue, not only for policy makers but for Australian identity. She says she took a sense of achievement from opening women's refuges and childcare centres in remote areas. She was also proud of the juvenile justice legislation that was passed.
