This report describes and analyzes the role played by key actors in initiating and implementing major reform in the management of the department of education in Victoria, the second largest state in Australia. Focus is during 1979-84, the time of the greatest administrative reform in the department's history. Study goals include the analysis of the following: (1) the role of government ministers of education in the tasks of administrative reform; (2) the role played by external consultants in supporting the ministers; and (3) the role of senior departmental officials in the change process. The paper's last section records reflections on the means used to implement changes. Political support was given by elected ministers of education from both parties. The wide-ranging consultative mechanisms employed by ministers of different parties are contrasted. External management consultants provided management expertise. Together with a task force of departmental officers, the consultants diagnosed organizational problems, designed a structure, and commenced implementation of an action plan. The outcomes of new plans and change processes are analyzed. Reflections are made on the decentralization of management, executive management roles, the devolution of authority to school councils, morale in a new organization, and the purpose of structural change. Seventy endnotes are appended. (CJH)