Peter Coaldrake describes his time at PSMC and the lessons he learnt during this period, including the importance of teamwork and benefit of having a small central team. He notes the efforts to build a positive work environment through CEO meetings, events for the SES and working closely with ministers and directors general. He reflects on the criticism that ministers were ambushed in Cabinet.
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.
Peter Coaldrake outlines how he came to know Wayne Goss. He discusses his own political position, and how he joined the Labor Party but only remained a member for a few years. He describes the transition from academia to government.
Rod Welford describes the Labor Party losing power in 1995 and the impact this had on the following years. He notes the differences between Wayne Goss and Peter Beattie in how they sensed the public approval of their policies. He discusses what he observed as the high work ethic of Wayne Goss that informed his decision making. He discusses the stress and responsibility that is placed on a premier and how Wayne Goss and Peter Beattie dealt with these.
Rod Welford discusses the different leadership styles of Wayne Goss and Peter Beattie. He recalls falling out with Wayne Goss during the Fitzgerald Inquiry over the World Heritage values of Fraser Island and placing a moratorium on logging until the end of the inquiry.
Rod Welford discusses his ambitions for a ministry and how he thought he might achieve this. He discusses the different styles of Wayne Goss and Peter Beattie in working with ministers. He recalls the control Goss had over policy decisions.
Rod Welford details the feelings after being elected. He notes the process before the election of being on his own trying to gain votes within his electorate. He details trust as the primary issue of the 1989 election and how Wayne Goss used this to his benefit.
Rod Welford discusses the opportunity to enter Queensland parliament. He details the discussions between himself and Terry Hampson, the state secretary of the Labor Party, about running for the seat of Stafford in the 1989 election. He discusses the preselection process and his approach to campaigning. He notes the previous Labor candidates in the seat of Stafford including Denis Murphy and Janine Walker. He notes the influence of the Fitzgerald Inquiry and Wayne Goss on the 1989 election.
