Ken Smith details his time getting to know Queensland and also his acceptance into the public service. He describes his close relationship with Glyn Davis and Peter Coaldrake.
Ken Smith reflects on the different ministerial styles of Tom Burns and Terry Mackenroth. He describes the influence of Tom Burns in educating him on the decentralised way Queensland operates.
Ken Smith describes his application and selection for the position of Director General of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Planning. He discusses the importance of Tom Burns' commitment to public housing reform. At this time, he notes, the states moved into home ownership products. He notes the historical shift since the Menzies Government to encourage home ownership.
Jim Fouras describes implementing parliamentary reforms, including the development of education programs, the removal of the Union Jack, and the creation of new committees.
Jim Fouras discusses his politicisation through resistance to the Vietnam War and the Bjelke-Petersen Government, and Tom Burns' encouragement to run for parliament.
David Hamill discusses some of the campaign strategies with a focus on the caucus executive group who worked on policy development. He outlines the role of the caucus executive and how he came to be the caucus secretary. He outlines the role of shadow ministers in campaigning for marginal seats.
Brian Head discusses his work at the PSMC in the context of the public service's discontent with constant restructuring, and their disquiet with the failing Goss Government in late 1995. He comments that while the Goss Government was an excellent reformer, it was seen as less effective in day-to-day service delivery.
Peter Beattie talks about taking up the Health ministry, his reforms to the structure of the health service, and the difficulty of finding the right director general to head up a department.
