Paul Fennelly describes the addition of the Innovation portfolio to the State Development Department under the Beattie Government. He comments on the machinery of government changes following elections generally, and on the changes specifically to State Development while he was Director General.
Jim Elder discusses his promotion to the ministry after the 1992 election and his approach to the Business, Industry and Regional Development portfolio. He also discusses the Goss Government's approach to state development and the role of his Director General Ron Boyle.
John Strano describes his experience in the public service when the Borbidge Government came to power. He notes the hit list at this time. He goes on to describe his ambivalence about working in the trade role, and generally about the approach of state governments pursuing trade. Under the Borbidge Government he notes that he was in charge of running an investment team where he had greater access to senior bureaucrats to facilitate investment. He describes the initial talks between Boeing and the government.
John Strano describes the plans of the Goss Government and its effects on the public service. He notes the way the Goss Government positioned trade policy in relation to Asian markets. He notes that even for the Goss Government economic development was largely about agriculture and mining. He notes the negative attitude towards the public service 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.
