This paper explores ten common themes concerning assessment practice in Australian education across the six states and two territories. The themes are: (1) a strong curriculum base influencing assessment, (2) the incorporation of school-based assessment in all certification, (3) preference for standards-referenced assessment, (4) respect for teacher judgement, (5) increasing vocational education delivery within schooling, (6) multiple pathways to future study and careers, (7) school-based assessment in the compulsory years of schooling, (8) moves towards outcomes-based frameworks, (9) issues relating to national benchmark data, and (10) equity issues.