In addressing the needs of second languages, the principle must be to build quality at all levels, especially in the design of programs and the rigour and seriousness of teaching and to maintain a consistent effort rather than to subject language planning to continual chopping and changing of priority. Quality programs will need to be readily identified and have clear criteria, of the amount of time devoted to language teaching, continuation of study, teacher qualifications and support materials and opportunities for immersion as well as formal acquisition. Explicit policy efforts must be made to secure student motivation. It is engendered by the quality of the learning experience, and by rewards for success. The aim should be to make languages a compulsory, unproblematic and celebrated part of the education of all Australian children. Achieving an entitlement to quality language courses is the outcome it is hoped will flow from taking the hard decisions outlined in this article. ["Language Teaching and Learning: Some Hard Decisions" was written with Yvette Slaughter.]