Union leader and activist Wilf Ardill discusses his history in the union movement and the Labor Party and recalls the federal intervention into the Queensland branch of the Labor Party and the formation of the Socialist Left faction.
Labor Party stalwart Terry Hampson (1935-2014) recalls his long history with the party, focusing on the events around the 1980 federal intervention in the state party. A founding member of the Socialist Left faction as well as a former party secretary, Hampson provides personal insights into the party and into political campaigning from the 1960s through to the 1990s.
Sue Yarrow joined the Labor Party in 1968, part of an influx of new members concerned that the party should be more broadly based and more responsive to issues affecting Queensland. She participated in the reform of the Queensland branch of the Labor Party following federal intervention in 1980 becoming the first organiser of the Socialist Left faction.
Labor Party member and ministerial staffer Rob Whiddon was a central figure in pursuing the reform of the Queensland branch of the Labor Party and later served as Premier Peter Beattie's Chief of Staff. In this capacity he was involved with the implementation of the Smart State agenda.
Ian McLean served as President of the Queensland branch of Labor Party from 1984 to 1994. He reflects on the 1980 federal intervention in the Queensland branch of the Labor Party.
Academic Pat Weller discusses his involvement with Queensland politics from the late 1980s until 2009, particularly the period in which Labor returned to government after a 32 year absence, providing insight into the internal workings of the party, and on his involvement with the Corrective Services Commission.
Harry Hauenschild's (1933-2011) career spanned several fields – unionism, the Labor Party and the TAFE sector. He discusses the federal intervention in the Queensland Labor Party, the relationship between the state and commonwealth and the implementation of competency based apprenticeships and traineeships.
Academic Colin Hughes discusses the development of political science as a discipline as well as providing insights into Queensland politics and his involvement with EARC.
