In this analysis of the source of Australian government decisions on school science programs and libraries, specific issues are reviewed and the developments placed in political focus. The emergence of federal aid is set in the context of long-term developments in Australian federalism. The forces are examined that obliged the government of Prime Minister R. G. Menzies to become increasingly involved in education; at the university level during the 1950s, and at the college and secondary school level during the 1960s with science laboratories and school libraries. During the years 1972-75 the labor government created a Schools Commission and injected massive funds into the system. The book concludes with some observations on recent developments and likely future trends under the Fraser coalition government. (Author/MLF)