Dean Wells discribes his interaction with interest groups as Education Minister. He also highlights his high regard for the profession of teaching and comments on non government schools.
John Mickel reflects on the difficulties of being a Labor supporter while working in the State education system during the Bjelke-Petersen era. He describes his transfer to a school in Inala and the lack of resources provided by the State government to schools in Labor electorates. He discusses his work for the Teachers' Union and states he joined the ALP in 1978.
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.
Roger Scott describes his relationship with the Teachers' Union and the Queensland Public Service Union and some of the issues that were raised. He describes his approach to consultation within the department and acknowledges that wide consultation was beneficial as both a public relations exercise and to gather information.
Roger Scott discusses the diversity of interest groups in Education and role of pressure groups in shaping policy. He comments on discourse and ideas around education and disability during his time in the department.
Roger Scott comments on the education policy agenda during the Goss Government. He notes the varying styles and agenda issues of each of the ministers he worked with, Paul Braddy and Patrick Comben. He comments on the interaction between ministerial staff and department staff. He details the difficulties Patrick Comben faced when he became minister.
Roger Scott notes the Focus on Schools committee and the role of the committee in setting the policy agenda, including school community empowerment and gender equity within the Education Department. He comments on the congruency between the ideas of the Focus on Schools committee and the 1989 Labor Blueprint.
Robin Sullivan discusses Smart State, commenting that the Education Department had very little input into any related policies, and reaped little reward from any programs.
Frank Peach comments on the educational reforms during the Goss era. He discusses several reforms including the broadening of the curriculum, the introduction of technology and the Leading Schools program. He explains that the drive for this type of reform was to improve student learning outcomes by empowering schools.
