A candid book from one of Australia's most successful and charismatic politicians. Peter Beattie has been the premier of Queensland since 1998 and has long been admired for being 'one of the people'. Part memoir and part manifesto, this book explores: o the premier's upbringing and the effect it had on forging his values and political style. o the contribution the Beattie Government has made to the State of Queensland. o Beattie's views on Labor leaders, both past and present; and on Labor's future. o His views on key issues, including health, education and social reform. o His relationship with Prime Minister John Howard. o His vision of turning Queensland into Australia's 'Smart State' through a newly focused education system. In his own direct style, the premier reflects on many important issues facing his party and the nation. A candid book from one of Australia's most successful and charismatic politicians. Peter Beattie has been the premier of Queensland since 1998 and has long been admired for being 'one of the people'. Part memoir and part manifesto, this book explores: o the premier's upbringing and the effect it had on forging his values and political style. o the contribution the Beattie Government has made to the State of Queensland. o Beattie's views on Labor leaders, both past and present; and on Labor's future. o His views on key issues, including health, education and social reform. o His relationship with Prime Minister John Howard. o His vision of turning Queensland into Australia's 'Smart State' through a newly focused education system. In his own direct style, the premier reflects on many important issues facing his party and the nation.