ABSTRACT
This chapter examines the partnership between market, state and community in the provision of the foundations of national life in Australia. It is argued that the balance of these forces is the key to the Australian Way in the institutional construction of the nation. The nature and evolution of this partnership state is outlined, and the salience of its condition for the Australia future is established. This includes a clear concern that there is a switchpoint in Australian national affairs apparent. The operation of the partnership model in the social infrastructure of education is reviewed, and its operation in economic infrastructure is then looked at too in some detail. From the overview and from the closer sectoral review, conclusions are then reached as to the potential for enhancement and sustainability of the system into the future. It is concluded that a model of inclusive growth beyond ideology is a feasible and worthy aspiration for Australia.
