The economic function of science to perform research and to educate and train others for technological innovation in Australia is discussed. The generation of wealth, focus of public debate, and political decision making on research policy are also considered. (MSE)

The history of Australia's fourth university, the University of Tasmania, provides an example of the range of possible issues and approaches to the scope of academic freedom, including the specific faculty groups and circumstances to which it applies, the function of governance, and the role of governing bodies. (MSE)

Two important and far-reaching decisions by the Australian Commonwealth Government with regard to its future policies on education are discussed. The future of Commonwealth involvement in education, funding for tertiary education, the introduction of tuition fees in universities, and the rationalization of single-purpose teacher education are…

Australia's federal government is seeking to broaden access to higher education, and this process will require restructuring of the sectors, increased articulation, collaboration of state and federal government to minimize educational disadvantagement, increased links with industry and community, and improvement in academic career paths and…

A review of attitudes about the need for changes in the structure of postsecondary education in Australia and the role of the government in each sector concludes with the suggestion that the state take less responsibility for short-term planning and institutional development and focus more on long-term planning with strong involvement in technical…