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.
Desley Boyle discusses serving in both the Beattie and Bligh governments, lauding Beattie for his Smart State initiative, and Bligh for her management of the 2010-11 natural disasters.
Desley Boyle discusses becoming the member for Cairns and her relationship with the Labor Party and with the AWU faction. She describes serving in Beattie's minority government, and the scandals and resignations that marred the end of his first term.
David Hamill outlines the remainder of his political career following his appointment to the Education Department. He discusses the Mundingburra by-election and how Peter Beattie became leader of the Opposition. He recalls conversations between himself and Peter Beattie with regards to his position within the Beattie Government.
Brian Head contrasts the Beattie Government with the Goss Government in terms of their impact on the public service. He states that while the Goss Government carried out large-scale, modernising reforms, the Beattie Government made much smaller scale, mainly political changes. He discusses his position as Public Service Commissioner in the Beattie Government, including the conflict with the Premier which eventually lead to his redeployment to the Environment Department in 2000.
