AustLit

This edition of the Queensland Review brings together a selection of papers that are both diverse and international in scope. No doubt, the most dramatic political event in the Oceanic region thus far in 2000 has been the coup in Fiji led by George Speight. In the first paper, Anthony van Fossen highlights how Speight's earlier business dealings in Queensland provide considerable insight into the background to the coup. Stephen Stockwell charts the 'mantra of progress' in Brisbane's early colonial history and how it retains salience today, with respect to such issues as Aboriginal land rights and the prospects for a meaningful reconciliation. Stephen Williams examines the potential legal problems faced by Queensland firms doing business internationally, suggesting strategies for dealing with these problems. In Jou-juo Chou's discussion ofthe experiences ofTaiwanese immigrants to Brisbane, several distinctive aspects ofTaiwanese immigration are outlined and the conceptual adequacy of existing theories on immigration is assessed critically. Through a comparison of Queensland and British Columbia, Geoffrey Booth discusses the planning role of local government and the possibilities for integrated planning and development in Federal Westminster systems. In the paper by Lynn McDonald and Charmine Hartel, the recall of Kraft peanut butter, due to possible contamination from a Kingaroy supplier, provides the backdrop for an elaboration ofhow companies may take account ofthe public interest more effectively. Finally, Remi Ayoko and Charmine Hartel directly tackle the question of how diversity within the workforce can be managed successfully. Overall, readers should find this edition of the Review topical, informative and entertaining. 

George Lafferty (Editorial)