The development of human resource development (HRD) can be considered from two perspectives--the development of HRD as a concept and the development of HRD practitioners. If HRD as a field of study and practice is to develop, then the development of HRD practitioners is of paramount importance. In Australia, HRD is just beginning to come into its own as a field of professional activity. Postsecondary educational institutions, specifically the Colleges of Advanced Education (CAEs), have assumed five roles in the development of HRD. CAEs have contributed to the development of HRD practitioners and the field of HRD through; (1) the provision of tertiary courses of study to upgrade professional status of HRD practitioners; (2) the development of research in the HRD field; (3) a change in the role and practice of HRD practitioners; (4) the clarification of the conceptual base of HRD; and (5) promotion of the interchange of staff, ideas, and contributions to the HRD field. (YLB)