ABSTRACT
The speed of change in education policy in Victoria was particularly dramatic and the aim of this case study is to provide an account of the major education policy changes in Victoria together with the efforts made by many teachers and parents to resist these changes. The basic direction of the Kennett government’s initial policy agenda was legitimated by a determination to reduce state debt and cut public-sector expenditure and employment. Education policy has long been a source of bitter political conflict in Victoria. The Labor government had a mixed track record in implementing its education policies. The Liberal government’s first step was to begin extensive changes to the staffing and direction of the Education Ministry, renamed the Department of School Education. School council membership was also reorganised to limit the number of teachers who could be members, either in their own or in any other school.
