This paper evaluates these four options against the criteria established by Australia’s governments. It also considers the feasibility and desirability of each option. In doing so, it seeks to enhance understanding of federalism in schooling, and to contribute to public debate on the reform options under consideration by the leaders of Australia’s governments.

Decentralisation continues to be well received as a strategy for improving the governance of countries and delivering more responsive and efficient services. Cheerleaders include multilateral agencies like the World Bank and developed countries, like England, which seek to reverse years of centralisation. Evaluating the effectiveness of decentralised models raises the question of what it means...

This issues paper examines the arrangements and institutions underpinning Australia’s Federation, including the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) and financial arrangements between the Commonwealth and the States and Territories. It asks questions to prompt discussion on possible options for reform. INTRODUCTION On 10 October 2014, the Council of Australian Governments (COAG): ... acknowledged the importance...

This issues paper examines the current arrangements put in place by governments to support our educational attainment: specifically in child care and early learning and schooling as Part A of two-part paper. More specifically and consistent with the White Paper’s Terms of Reference, it considers how the current split of roles and responsibilities, and the...

There is currently no single overarching ‘health system’ in Australia. Rather, health care is a complex web of services, providers and structures. All levels of government—the Commonwealth, the States and Territories, and local government—share responsibility for health. They have different roles (funders, policy developers, regulators and service deliverers) and in many cases those roles are...