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.
Warren Pitt was the Labor member for Mulgrave from 1989-95 and then again from 1998-2009. During his time in parliament he served as the Minister for Business, Industry and Regional Development (1995), Communities (2004-07) and Main Roads and Local Government (2007-09).
Peter Henneken discusses his experience of working in the Queensland public service from the Bjelke-Petersen era to the Beattie era. He comments on the industrial relations and training policy and explores the approaches of various government to managing the public service.
Public servant Peter Ellis was a geologist working with the Environment, Industry and Mining Departments, before being appointed Director General of the Department of Premier and Cabinet and Coordinator General under the Borbidge Government 1996-98.
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.
Molly Robson, Labor politican and Environment Minister 1992-95, discusses the growth of the environmental movement in Queensland, the role of the Goss Government in implementing the reforms of the Fitzgerald Inquiry and provides insights into the relationships between the government, the public service and various interest groups.
National Party member Mike Horan served as Health Minister in the Borbidge Government 1996-98, and was leader of the National Party from 2001-03. He influenced significant health reform in the state.
Public servant Mal Grierson served as Director General of Public Works from the Goss Government through to 2011 and throughout his career played a significant role in the development of the Information and Communications Technology sector in Queensland.
Lesley Clark was a Councillor in the Mulgrave Shire before running for the Queensland state parliament. She represented the electorate of Barron River from 1989 to 1995 and then again from 1998 to 2006. She has a particular interest in environmental, social welfare and women's issues.
Public servant Leigh Tabrett discusses her career working in the Department of Education and then Arts Queensland during the 1990s and 2000s. She focuses on the reform of the state's education system, particularly higher education, as well as the re-invigoration of the Brisbane cultural precinct and the importance of arts and culture to the community.
