The introduction of communications studies in Australian higher education and problems and achievements of the past decade are discussed. Attention is directed to: the development of formal college coursework; staff training and retraining schemes to support development; academic and professional associations; journals in the field; and research, special projects, and other initiatives. Developments in Australian communication studies coincided with major structural changes in Australian education. In the early 1970s a number of "new" universities and a new sector were established: new colleges and institutes of advanced education, institutes of technology, and restructured agricultural colleges. Problems confronting this new field of study were associated with staffing new course developments, the debate between European and North American approaches to communication studies, and the question of whether to approach the field from a base in arts/humanities or in business studies. It is suggested that industrial demand and student interest remain strong, system-level and institutional support are increasing, and the academic infrastructure necessary to support further development is established and operating effectively. Possible future developments in the field in Australia are also addressed. A five-page reference list is appended. (SW)