After a comparison of institutional autonomy and government influence patterns in Australian and United States higher education institutions, it is concluded that variety in balances is possible and does exist. These balances can be altered to suit state needs and also free independent institutions for their own purposes. (MSE)

In Australia, higher education policy changes are being initiated by a federal government without legislative control over state institutions. Although the federal government wishes to see a more diverse system and claims to be de-bureaucratizing the system, its policies encourage imitation of elite universities and appear to be centralizing…

The so-called binary system of postsecondary education in Australia, a subject of recent criticism, is found to be less a matter of concern than the related funding issues and concern for equitable support of all sectors. (MSE)

The simple abolition of university fees in Australia has failed to meet its stated objective of equalizing access to higher education and should be reinstated, with financial assistance available to qualified students unable to pay. (MSE)

The provisions in Australia's 1993 Higher Education Budget Statement regarding equity, diversity, and educational quality are examined. The discussion draws on current models of governance of public and private systems to examine ways in which the federal government has imposed accountability mechanisms on institutions. (Author/MSE)