Sallyanne Atkinson states that her biggest regret was losing the 1991 election, which meant she was unable to implement the Brisbane Plan. She discusses the level of complacency amongst the team in the lead up to the 1991 election.
Sallyanne Atkinson describes the politics of the attempts to build the World's Tallest Building in Brisbane. She reflects on allegations about bribery during the Bjelke-Petersen years and states that she didn't see evidence of corruption in local government.
Llew Edwards notes the influences and pressures placed on Joh Bjelke-Petersen to make certain policy changes. He details the three key figures who influenced Bjelke-Petersen – Beryl Young, Allen Callaghan and Robert Sparkes.
Peter Ellis notes that in 1986 his perceptions of government changed. He describes the preparations for the 1987 Premiers' conference where it was set to discuss the overlap between state and federal issues. He describes the coming of the Ahern Government and Ahern's style of listening to advisors, which was in contrast to Bjelke-Petersen's style of having key public service advisors.
Peter Ellis discusses the expansion of his job to include planning and environment at a time of rapid development in Queensland. He notes the many development projects he was involved with including the Bowen Basin, Mourilyan sugar port and Weipa. He notes the technical expertise of his department and the lack of interference in it by politicians. He describes, what is to him, the important local functions of state governments.
Gerard Bradley discusses the unique role of Treasury in the 1980s. He notes that Treasury was a key player in the major investments into Queensland at the time. He notes the relationship between Treasury and the Coordinator General at the time.
John Strano describes his move, after sixteen years, into the Queensland public service to work in the trade and investment area in the Premier's Department. He goes on to note how this new trade and investment area came into being and subsequently when it was disbanded by Mike 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.
Erik Finger outlines the ease of finding employment after graduating in 1961, his decision to work in highway and traffic planning and design at Main Roads, and his progression through the department over the subsequent 27 years.
