Mike Reynolds recalls the relatively good electoral results for Labor at the 1972 election and the difficulty of regaining electoral momentum after the rout at the 1974 election. He discusses Labor's dysfunction throughout the 1970s, focusing on poor candidate selection and campaign strategies.
Mike Reynolds discusses his passion for social justice and joining the ALP in 1970. He comments on the power of the branches, the excitement of the Whitlam period, and running for state parliament in 1972.
Peter Coaldrake discusses the origins and structure of the PSMC. He notes Glyn Davis's and David Chen's roles as well as his own. He reflects upon the criticism levelled against the commission that they moved too fast.
Sue Yarrow discusses the governance structures of the Labor Party prior to the intervention with emphasis on the role of the secretary and the role of conferences in developing policy direction. She notes how ideas and people were sidelined and describes some of the difficulties in implementing change.
Terry Mackenroth outlines his first, unsuccessful election attempt in 1974 and his second, successful attempt in 1977 in the context of the Bjelke-Petersen Government's manipulation of electoral boundaries.
Lawrence Springborg describes the atmosphere in the parliament after the 1989 election and notes the attitude of the National Party to selecting members.
Ian McLean reflects on the electoral position of the Labor Party federally and in Queensland. He discusses the involvement of the Queensland branch in the major social movements of the time. He discusses the internal tensions in the Queensland branch.
Ian McLean recalls what the Labor Party was like when he first joined. He reflects on the continued relevance of the 1957 split in the Labor Party. He states that the Inner Executive had strong control over the party.
Molly Robson discusses the role of caucus secretary and the role of caucus committees within the Goss Government. She discusses the strategies she used for raising contentious issues in caucus.
