Jim Fouras discusses his sharp learning curve on becoming Shadow Minister for Welfare Services and Prisons in 1977, and the numerous people who helped him.
Anne Warner describes the underpinning issue of social justice as an important theme that held the department together and gave her purpose. She states Aboriginal affairs was a significant issue, not only for policy makers but for Australian identity. She says she took a sense of achievement from opening women's refuges and childcare centres in remote areas. She was also proud of the juvenile justice legislation that was passed.
Ruth Matchett describes working in the social policy research unit in the Department of Welfare Services and Sport in a sub-department of Children's Services. She was involved in policy from corrections to child and family welfare and women's issues. She was later involved in funding women's refuges in Queensland and moved from there to funding community organisations.
