Education, like many of the important issues covered in this book, is of concern to everyone who lives in contemporary society. In this chapter there is an exploration of some of the educational issues being debated in contemporary Australia. In particular, there is a focus on the role education plays in society, on the organisation of Australia's education system, on some of the educationsal theories available to explain the ways in which education functions, on the impact of education on people from different socioeconomic groups, and on males and females. Finally, the role and aims of the state in both resourcing and structuring the education system are explored.