David Williams outlines the highlights and major achievements of his time working in government. He notes that the portfolio areas for which he had responsibility were more measurable in terms of success than other areas of government. He states that, while having no regrets, there were decisions about particular events that might in hindsight have been reconsidered.
David Williams recalls his move back to the role of Director General after the Beattie government won office in 1998. He speaks about additional administrative changes and the positioning of agencies in his department's different portfolio areas. He mentions how having a new and junior Minister later impacted upon his role.
David Williams talks about his working relations with different Ministers and dealing with changes to the structure of government departments. He comments on how public service executives can have to prove themselves to new Ministers. He describes the period of administrative transition after the Borbidge government came to office, and appointments to the boards of GOCs.
David Williams comments on the challenges of stepping into the role of Director General from the Events Corporation. He recalls his surprise at the professionalism and intellectual rigour within different levels of the public service. He speaks of the importance of administrative processes and personnel management in handling his department's different portfolio areas.
David Williams outlines his return to Queensland in 1989 to head the new Queensland Events Corporation for the state government, by then led by Labor premier Wayne Goss. He describes the state government's eagerness to capitalise on successful events such as the Commonwealth Games and the 1988 World Expo. He explains that within four years he had been appointed as a Director General in the public service.
