Mal Grierson describes the Smart State strategy. He notes the influence of Peter Coaldrake and Glyn Davis, both out of the university system, upon the Beattie strategy. He describes the academic sector and its influence in securing funding from governments.
Geoff Smith discusses the challenges to an elected government following a long period in opposition. He speaks on the role of ministerial staff, reforms of the Goss Government and the role of the Griffith mafia. He elucidates on the restructuring of Queensland government departments and argues that following the review period, power remained with the Office of Cabinet and Treasury.
Gerard Bradley notes the challenge of framing a budget immediately upon his return to Queensland in 1998. He describes the pressures on the budget in light of both the Borbidge Government's ambitious capital expenditures and the Beattie Government's commitment to continuing capital investment. He recalls some of the restructures to Treasury at the time and the implementation of risk management strategies. He notes this was a time when Queensland was growing rapidly. He highlights the need to have a strong relationship with other senior departments of government.
Frank Peach comments on his appointment as the Director General of the Families portfolio. He outlines his initial approach to gaining credibility and forming relationships in this portfolio.
Ken Smith describes his working relationship with Anna Bligh. He details the administrative requirements of creating a cabinet following an election. He describes his work with the Public Service Commission in reducing the number of departments from twenty-four to thirteen and the subsequent reduction in directors general. He notes the implications this creation had for the relationship between the bureaucracy and ministers.
Ken Smith details his time getting to know Queensland and also his acceptance into the public service. He describes his close relationship with Glyn Davis and Peter Coaldrake.
Ken Smith describes his learning curve in Queensland politics upon his arrival. He notes the decline in the way executive government was managed in NSW at this time. He notes the vitality and talent that was underpinning the reform changes post-Fitzgerald Inquiry.
Jim Varghese speaks on the origins of the Smart Start strategy, the aftermath of Glyn Davis leaving the department and the affects of this strategy on the Education Department.
