Many of the arguments in the Victoria Department of Education, Australia, against the involvement of school councils in the selection of principals are based on careerism, opportunism, and protectionism. To move away from the lock-step adherence to the values that lead to accession by seniority requires the application of democratic methods. School councils in Victoria should exercise the responsibility and right to determine what is best for the children of their constituency. Experiences in New Zealand and Scotland show the benefits of local participation in school governance. The pluralism of Australia, backed by the values of equity and democracy, ensures that a wide range of criteria will be used in attracting and appointing principals. (MLF)