Australia's large distances and widely distributed population has meant that distance education has been an important part of its history. From the earliest provision of schooling by mail through a series of correspondence schools, both state and federal governments have provided a sound infrastructure to support distance education. Innovative uses of technologies to provide communication and interaction and ease the isolation of distance have also been a feature of Australia's distance education history. The impact of this history is particularly relevant as the Internet and information and communication technologies are changing this field and making distance educators of all institutions and sectors. This article examines the response to these conditions within an Australian educational system that has its state governments providing school and vocational education and both federal and state governments sharing governance of the university system. The impact of government policies as both responsive and directing of distance education in Australia is discussed.