FEDERAL STATE MEDIATIONS IN THE AUSTRALIAN NATIONAL EDUCATION AGENDA - FROM THE AEC TO MCEETYA 1987-1993

Drawing on research interviews and relevant document analysis, this paper analyses the changing forms of the national education agenda as it was developed and modified in the Australian Education Council from 1987 to 1993. Particular attention is given to four significant developments in this period: national curriculum statements and profiles in schooling, and Mayer competencies; the training reform agenda; higher education; and the National Strategy for Equity in Schools. The study is located against general developments in Australian federalism and the changing political complexion of State governments across the period which led to the creation of the Ministerial Council on Education, Employment, Training and Youth Affairs.