-A transformational vision... -$8.5 billion for roads, rail infrastructure... -New infrastructure for the 21st Century.

-It's going to benefit future generations... -There is no future plan for Australia under this government.

-Major infrastructure projects right around the country... -Decisions for the long term.

-We want to spend the money.

-It's the biggest nation-building project.

-Absolutely shovel-ready.

-I want to be known as the infrastructure... -This is a nation-building... -Nation building.

-Nation building.

-Nation building.

-It's very interesting, and I hope we get to talk about it tonight, because capacity utilization is kind of the key is key to, you know, Airbnb.

It's the ridesharing economy, in a way.

It's the same issues.

Do you know what I mean?

-Yeah.

-Yeah, yeah.

That's the theory.

-I have no idea what I'm gonna say.

-Oh, you're gonna be fine.

-Excuse me, gents.

Clear the studio.

We're loading the audience.

-That's easy for you.

Like, I don't know what I'm talking about.

-Oh, just be yourself, I reckon, is the key in these situations, Anh.

Honestly, we're gonna cover a lot of topics, so... -How funny is Anh Do?

-He was so funny!

He's so funny!

-Oh!

Here he is!

Yay!

-Oh, come on, now.

-You were great last night, Tony.

-Oh, just making up the numbers, Amy.

-So handsome in that suit!

-Thank you.

-Did you get to meet Tony Jones?

-Yep.

Well, he hosts the show.

-Oh, but afterwards.

-Uh, quick chat?

-He didn't let you say much.

-I thought I got a few points across.

-Did you?

I was flicking around.

-Yeah.

-That Pakistani man kept interrupting you.

-He's from Bangladesh.

-Oh.

-Why didn't the audience applaud your answers?

-They did a bit.

-Not like the others.

-Yeah, well... I guess I was explaining some pretty dry policy concepts.

-Can you see the tweets as they come up on the screen?

-Not while you're on air.

-Oh, good.

-What do you mean good?

-Um... -Were they saying I was being a bit dry?

-No.

More boring.

-How funny is Anh Do?

-I thought you were flicking around?

-I saw bits.

-Yeah.

What, all of them?

-No, not all!

-Okay.

[ Chuckles ] -Just the ones about you.

[ Mid-tempo music plays ] -Nation Builders!

-Hi, Jim.

-Nat, any idea who our freedom- of-information officer is?

-Um...no.

-Any chance you could find out?

-Is there a problem?

-Nah.

Just had a few requests come in to the minister.

-About us?

-I guess so.

-Who are they from?

-Don't know.

-What are they asking for?

-Not sure But he'd like it dealt with.

Can I leave it with you?

-Here he is!

Here he is!

-[ Laughs ] -Our TV star.

-Ah.

What you think?

I didn't see it.

I was at a fundraising dinner.

-How did you go?

-Ah, fine, yeah.

-You get a few laughs?

-Aw, it was more about explaining broad policy settings.

-Yeah.

I heard you were a bit dry.

Anh Do would have killed it.

-Yeah.

No, he did.

-Yeah, anyway, can I give you a bit of a heads-up?

PM was on drive radio yesterday.

-Uh, who's that knobhead in Sydney?

-Big field.

-Yeah.

Anyway, he was asking about priorities, usual guff.

Kept pushing, so the PM floated this idea of Education Nation.

-What's Education Nation?

-Oh, I skipped a step.

Something a couple in Cabinet have been playing with, trying to turn things around a bit.

Did you see Monday's polls?

-I did.

-[ Groans ] Probably a bit premature, but the reaction was amazing.

-Really?

-Yeah.

Full board of calls.

Had to cancel the talkback vet.

Long story short, he wants to bring you guys in on it.

-Education?

-Social capital.

Classic nation building.

-Yeah, not really our area.

Hey, don't talk yourself down.

You had one bad night on telly.

-I thought you hadn't seen it.

-Oh, just a bit on iView.

Can you read those comments at the bottom of the screen?

-No, not while you're on air.

-Yeah, no.

Good.

-So, can I tell him you're on board?

-Yeah.

Well, we'll have a look.

-Great.

-Yep.

-What does FFS stand for?

-Don't know.

-Yeah.

You got a few of those.

-Right.

-Yeah.

[ Door closes ] -Oh.

"For fuck's sake."

-Hugh, do you know who our FOI officer is?

-Um, yeah, sorry.

Let me think.

-Do you know what an FOI officer is?

-No.

-Freedom-of-information.

-Sorry.

-It's obviously not you.

Scotty?

-Yep?

-Are you our FOI officer?

I think I'm privacy officer.

Or is it diversity?

-I'm definitely first-aid warden.

-Who wants to know?

-Jim.

So how do we find out?

-We could put in a freedom-of-information request.

-I don't think so.

-Yeah, 'cause who would we give it to?

[ Telephone ringing ] [ Mid-tempo music plays ] -Education's a great equalizer.

It sets people up for the rest of their lives.

-I mean, that's a good thing, we may get a university in the top 20 in the world.

-Today we're having a look at schools... -This is significant.

It will have an impact on so many people.

-Morning, Tony!

-Amy.

-Sir, if I could just get you over here.

-Have you met Brian?

-No.

Hi, Brian.

-This is Tony, our C.E.O.

-I just need to check your pass.

-She knows who I am.

-New protocol, sir.

-Because we're doing some work on the submarines.

-I'm gonna have to stop you there, miss.

-Yep.

No, I get it.

Submarines.

-Just put his name there.

-And, uh, reason for visit?

-Well, it's not really a visit.

-It's just a category, sir.

-I work here.

-Okay.

Put "visiting for work."

And representing?

-I'm the C.E.O.

-Put "self."

Right.

You're good to go.

-Thanks, Tony!

-Okay.

Thanks, Amy.

-Make sure he signs out when he leaves.

-Right.

-Was he on telly the other night?

-Oh, "Q+A"!

-How funny was that Anh Do?

-I know!

-Time?

-Oh.

-I get that.

But what's he doing there?

-There's been a security upgrade now that we're dealing with defense contractors.

-Those bloody submarines.

-We could be a target for terrorism.

-We're not building them.

What are they gonna do -- take our spreadsheets hostage?

-Oh, yeah.

This gift box just arrived from ABC.

-There's almost nothing in it.

-I don't think they're allowed to endorse products.

There's a card, a DVD of "Midsomer Murders"... -Season 9.

-... and a copy of Anh Do's book.

-Great.

-He was so funny.

-Yeah!

-Excuse me, sir.

-Yep.

-Do you know this gentleman?

-Yes, I do.

-Can you make sure you have the correct lanyard with you next time?

-No worries.

-Don't forget to sign out when you leave.

-Sorry about that, Jim.

It's because of the submarines.

-Yeah, well, that will stop.

-What?

-Did I not tell you about it?

-No!

-Anyway, happier stories.

What did I say?

Sydney Morning Herald.

-Take a look.

-"Smart Move."

What's it about?

-Yeah.

Keep going.

-"The Prime Minister's announcements for plans for a major education reform have certainly struck a chord."

-Two editorials and an opinion piece.

The thing's getting real traction.

-What exactly is this thing?

-Ooh.

I knew you'd ask that.

-Education Nation.

-A complete, once-in-a-generation reform of our pre-, primary, and secondary school system.

-Wow.

That's huge.

-Reads well, doesn't it?

-Yeah, it does.

-Yeah.

-But just before the big fella pulls the trigger, we wondered if you could cast an eye over it.

-How do you mean?

-Well, like we said the other day, we were hoping -- or the PM was hoping -- that you and the team could put a bit of flesh on the bone.

-Again, we -- we can have a look at it.

-Yeah.

Good man.

-Just give us everything you've got.

-You've got it.

-No, I mean in terms of policy frameworks and departmental briefings and research papers.

You're kidding me?

-No.

-That's it?

-Yeah.

How funny's this bloke?

-Nat?

I found out who the freedom- of-information officer is.

-Yeah?

-It's you.

-Me?

-Yeah.

Congratulations.

-Thanks.

-Who's made the request?

-I haven't even looked.

-Um... Nicola Vlahos?

-Who's she?

-Journo, by the looks of things.

-Fin review.

-What's she asking for?

-Documents relating to the tendering process for the Perth Airport upgrade.

-That was last year.

-Yep.

-So what do we do now?

-I don't know.

-Shall I look it up on YouTube?

-Why would you look it up on YouTube?

-That's what I do for first-aid tips.

-I guess step one is we have to source the documents.

-I think they're in there.

-Sourced.

-Step two?

-Get out the documents.

-Okay.

Is there a step three?

-That's it?!

-We came up with the idea!

-You've come up with a slogan!

-A good one!

We've got it in the papers.

Now we just need to put a bit of flesh on the bone.

-Flesh?!

What bone?!

-This is an opportunity!

-It's insane!

-Is everything okay?

-Uh, yep.

-Heard some raised voices.

-No, it was him.

-Yeah.

Agitated.

-Is that Anh Do's book?

-Yeah!

-Funny bloke.

-Yeah.

How good was he last night?

-You can iView it.

-You've announced a policy without having any idea what it actually is!

We didn't realize it would strike a chord.

We've been blown away.

-You've got to put a stop to this.

-But the reaction's been so positive!

-No, put a stop to policy on the run!

This is the very point I made on "Q+A"!

-Did you?

It must have been towards the end.

-Who wrote this?

-My P.A.!

-Based on what?

-That meeting.

I told you we had that meeting!

-One meeting?

-I've got some notes.

Here we go -- multidimensional vertical integration.

Meeting the challenges -- -Such as?

-Well, there's your first challenge.

-Oh, Jim.

-Multidisciplinary student focus.

Bringing together the best acrylic -- -What?

-That might have been auto-corrected.

Let's not forget schools of this country's funeral -- Actually, that should say "future."

-Jim!

-This is the first bit of good news we've had in months.

We had to get cracking.

This is a... once-in-a-generation opportunity.

-For what?

-Uh...I could ring my P.A.

-Jim!

-You're good at this stuff -- big-picture thinking.

We're not asking for a complete policy.

-Really?

-Well, it would be nice.

Just some bullet points.

-Jim.

-Three.

[ Mid-tempo music plays ] -There's just so many reports on education.

-I know.

But print them all out.

We got to start somewhere.

-I watched it again on iView.

-I reckon Tony Jones had it in for you.

-Scotty, I reckon we move on.

-Just 'cause you waffled a bit.

-I didn't waffle.

-Well, according to the tweets... -What tweet?

-You're right.

Let it go.

-Sorry to interrupt.

Have a situation at the front desk.

-What's happened?

-Some woman claiming she needs to see you.

Refuses to sign in or give reason for visit.

-Who is she?

-Uh, Rhonda.

-No idea.

Send her away.

-Tony!

Yes, she works here.

-I will never have that chance ever again.

-Who's that?

-[ Sighs ] Brian.

He's here to protect us.

-Hmm, where was he during "Q+A"?

God, those tweets.

Anyway, put it behind you.

-Now, Education Nation.

-What about it?

-Jim mentioned you had three bullet points.

-Half an hour ago?

-Well?

-Rhonda, I've barely had time to read the press release.

-I've got every media outlet in the country begging me for detail.

-Did you see "The Drum" last night?

-No.

-Half the show on it.

On Education Nation?

They don't know what it is.

-That didn't stop them.

And get this -- "Q+A" are thinking of doing education reform as a topic next week.

-Rhonda -- -Oh, no.

Not you.

Don't worry.

They won't make that mistake again.

-Now, what have you got for me?

-I've just been asked to come up with a complete reform of our national education system.

-Yes.

-Half an hour ago.

-And I want my three bullet points, please.

Where is Nat?

-Hi, Rhonda.

-Jim tells me we've had an FOI request.

-Yes.

-Okay.

Have you dealt with one of these before?

-No.

-It's quite straightforward.

Do you want to grab a pen?

-Yeah.

-To these ones you simply reply, "We reject this application on the following grounds -- Firstly, the number of documents requested is far too voluminous.

Secondly --" You've stopped writing.

-Yeah.

It's just -- -"Secondly, sourcing said documents would constitute an unreasonable burden on the office in terms of time and resources."

-But it won't.

-What?

-Rhonda, have you actually read the request?

-No.

-Has the minister?

-I wouldn't have thought so.

-Am I missing something?

[ Exhales sharply ] Clearly.

-That's it.

Firm hand.

-Mm-hmm.

Breathe.

Yeah.

Double tap.

-[ Clicks tongue ] -That's dead.

-Scotty?

Meeting.

-Yeah.

Thanks, Brian.

Sorry.

I was just... talking to Brian.

-Did you know he was almost SAS?

-Oh, wow.

-Almost?

-He's not allowed to discuss it.

-I just saw him discussing it with you.

-I've said too much.

-What's SAS?

-Special Air Service.

-Oh, wow.

-Almost.

Right.

Let's get on with this, beginning with what we know.

-Education Nation is a federal- government initiative.

-Right.

-It's about education.

-Yeah.

-A once-in-a-generation -- -I reckon we stop quoting from the press release.

I think it's the next bit.

"Education Nation is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to..." -Dot, dot, dot.

-That's the tricky part.

-Yeah.

Hence the meeting.

-Tony.

-Yes?

-I've got someone from the School Principals Association on the line.

-How did they know to ring here?

-I think Jim referred them to us.

-Again!

Can you just say we'll get back to them?

-I haven't finished yet.

The Teachers Federation want a meeting, and that person from the Australian Education Union rang again.

They really, really want a meeting.

-What for?

-I think they just want to know what we're planning.

-See if you can put them off.

Frankly, they would have more ideas about this than we do.

-You thinking what I'm thinking?

-About Q&A?

-No.

Katie, can you get a list of all those callers for me?

-Now I'm confused.

-Okay.

This is a freedom-of-information request.

-Yes.

-Don't we have to respond?

-Yes.

And our response will be to refuse it.

-On what grounds?

-I just gave them to you.

-But the number of files is not voluminous, and it won't take valuable -- -Alright.

Choose another ground.

"We have conducted a thorough and exhaustive search and cannot find any of the documents listed."

-I've got them here.

-You're making this very difficult!

-What if there's nothing to worry about?

-We don't know that.

-It's just a car park.

I'm sure there's nothing to hide.

-That's for the minister to decide.

-But he hasn't read the request.

-All the more reason to block it.

Pen.

"The documents are exempt for the following reasons --" Write it down.

"They touch on commercial in confidence.

They contain private ministerial briefings."

-This is a major change.

-Good education is something governments ought to be working to improve.

-I'm incredibly excited by the work that we do.

-Right.

So, uh, yeah.

Good that you could make it in.

-Ah.

Thanks for fitting us in.

-Yeah, not a problem.

No, that's -- Brian, do they really need to wear those big visitor passes?

-Yes.

They can take them off for the meeting.

-Okay.

That would be great.

-It's a restricted zone.

-Yeah.

-I'll put them with your phones.

-Yeah.

That's great, Brian.

-Can you just make sure -- -Make sure they sign out?

Yeah.

-Thank you.

-Thanks, Brian.

-So...Education Nation.

-Yes.

-Well, I can tell you, there were a few noses out of joint when we heard you'd developed an entire policy framework without our input.

-Yeah, I can imagine.

It was more a timing issue.

You know, we had to do a lot of the early prep work sort of in camera.

-We haven't heard many details.

I sense you're sitting on a lot more than you're letting on.

-To an extent.

-Shall I show them this?

-I think they've read the press release.

-Could you just give us some idea of what you're planning?

-Yep, we can.

Yes.

Uh, before I do that, can I ask you a question?

-Of course.

-What would you like us to plan?

-Oh!

Well, there's a lot of issues -that we need to get through, actually.

-Great.

-First of all... ...but with a clear emphasis on the importance of retaining experienced teaching staff.

-Right.

-Uh, should I keep going?

-Yes.

Yes, please.

Yep.

-Is this along the lines of what you're planning?

-I think there'll be an overlap.

-So, STEM teaching -- -Yeah, STEM teaching.

-Yes.

-Which of course stands for, uh, Science... -Technology.

-Technology.

-Engineering.

-Engineering.

-Mathematics.

-Mathematics.

Of course.

STEM.

-Yes.

-Okay.

thank you.

[ Mid-tempo music plays ] ♪♪♪ Nat?

I spoke to the minister's office about the FOI request.

-Oh, thank you.

-I asked his chief of staff why they wanted it blocked.

-And?

-No one can remember.

-The reason?

-Or the project.

-It's the airport upgrade.

-I told them that.

-And?

-It rang a bell.

They said it's probably safer just to block it.

-I know that!

The question is how?

-Shall I get Rhonda back?

-Um...could you have a look at it?

-At what?

-This.

-Yep, this.

Sorry.

-Thank you.

-Thanks.

Thank you.

Thank you, thank you.

Thanks.

-Put that on while we travel.

-I don't know that they need to put on their visitor passes again.

-You would have seen that paper.

-Oh, absolutely, yeah.

That paper.

-There's a link on the School Principals Association website.

-These guys are all over -- -Is that .org or .edu?

-edu.

-edu.

-Well, thanks again for your time.

-Oh, no.

Thank you.

Feels like we did all the talking.

-Oh, no!

It's just good to hear it all again, you know, when you hear it so many times.

-I'm still not clear -- -Might have to just keep going.

Brian, thanks again.

-Sign out.

-And if you can give them back their phones, too, and the little nail scissors that you took off the lady.

-They were good.

-Yeah, they're all good.

I just don't know what we're gonna do with it all.

-What do you mean?

-Well, class sizes.

-Too big.

-He said they don't matter.

-Teacher pay.

-Should be lifted.

-Only if it's linked to performance.

-Private schools.

-Big problem.

-No, they're not.

-You picking up a theme?

-No.

-Tell me one thing they all agreed on.

-They all want reform.

-What else?

-They all like the muffins.

-Now, you sort of understanding what I'm trying to say?

-No.

See, this is what happened on "Q+A."

-Yeah, can we just drop "Q+A" for a second?

-Independent school funding comes from the federal government.

-Every child that wants to go on to university... -You have to understand that children are very different... -Once your assailant's arms are pinned, feet wide apart, he -- or she -- is effectively immobilized.

-Wow.

-I think I need to get the phone.

Hello.

Nation Building Australia.

Amy speaking.

-Thanks, Brian.

-Happy to help.

-Brian, my door's locked.

-Yeah.

-Because?

-You're dealing with an FOI request.

-Uh-huh.

-Sensitive documents.

-Yeah, they're actually on Hugh's desk.

-Let's get those files inside.

Just through here, sir.

Don't forget to fill out reason for visit on your way out.

-No worries.

-Okay.

Actually, you can leave the door open.

[ Door closes ] -How's it going?

-It's tricky.

-Really?

-There's a whole bunch of priorities just about everybody agrees on.

-Well, this is sounding good.

Nobody agrees on what to do about them.

That's okay.

We've got the word "priority."

Let's start with that.

-Yeah, we're gonna need more time.

-Ah.

-What do you mean, "Ah"?

-PM's addressing the Press Club next Monday.

I was hoping to run Education Nation up the flagpole.

-Monday?

-We don't have anything concrete.

-It just needs a couple of thought bubbles, maybe a priority?

-Well, we can give you what we've got so far.

-Fire away.

-Okay.

Here's what everyone agrees are the top-10 priorities.

-Good word, "priority."

-Number one.

-Early-childhood education for those on the margins.

-Yeah, I think that's been done.

-That hasn't been done.

-Number two?

-Okay.

Well, this is huge.

-Maths and sciences, especially for girls.

-What's three?

-Truancy rates.

-Feels narrow.

Anything else?

Once-in-a-generation opportunity?

-Truancy rates are a huge issue.

-What's four?

-PISA scores.

-Alright, let's go the other way.

What's 10?

-You wanted us to identify the priorities.

-Yeah, where's the big-picture thinking?

What happened to meeting the challenges?

-That's just a slogan.

-A good one.

-Like Super Schools.

-What's a Super School?

-They don't exist.

-Well, there's your problem.

Let's build some.

-Jim... -It sounds like a priority to me.

-You do realize that at some point, we're actually gonna have to announce a policy?

-What do you mean?

-The "dot, dot, dot" bit.

-Okay, I did some research.

-Mm-hmm.

-FOI.

Freedom-of-information.

-I know what it is.

-Sorry.

-You got the act?

-And the guidelines and the amendments.

-And?

-There's not much we can use.

-What?!

In all of that?

-Well, uh, we can refuse a request if any of the documents relate to national security.

-A multistory carpark?

-Yeah, I didn't think so.

-Mind you, it's an airport.

-Next to an airport.

Um, were any of the documents intended for Cabinet?

-I don't think so.

-We could ask the minister.

-I don't think he'll remember.

-Are they Cabinet briefing documents?

-No.

-Do any of the documents contain the word "Cabinet"?

What else?

-Uh...are they commercial in confidence?

-We're doing publicly listed companies.

-Do they contain personal information?

-All she's asking for is a set of absolutely standard contracts relating to a multistory carpark that was finished a year ago.

-Give YouTube another try?

-I'm gonna speak to someone from legal.

[ Mid-tempo music plays ] ♪♪ -Our PM.

-Yeah.

-Press Club, Education Nation.

-I meant to see it.

What did he say?

-Yeah, it was a good opening.

"Ladies and gentlemen, this nation sits poised at the crossroads.

We can either drift with the status quo or face the challenges of this once-in-a-generation opp--" -Yeah.

That's from the press release again.

-But then he got down to business after that.

Mentioned a couple of your priorities.

-Oh yeah?

PISA scores?

-Eh, felt the room.

-STEM?

-You know the one they loved?

-Truancy rates?

-Super Schools.

-He said that out loud?

-You bet.

-At the Press Club?

-Very positive response.

-No one in that room knows what a Super School is.

-That's what we worked out.

That's the beauty of it.

That's what Education Nation is.

-What, something you can't work out?

-Exactly!

Because the moment you start getting specific... -You start creating a policy.

-...you start getting disagreements.

-That's not a discovery!

I reckon we pull back on this.

Pull back?!

The opposition has offered conditional bipartisan support.

-Conditional on what?!

-That we eventually tell them what we're planning.

-This is nuts!

-Come on!

They're right behind it.

-Katie, I'm expecting Theo.

Can you find out what's -- -Who?

-Theo.

Our legal officer.

-Oh!

Is that who he was?

-What do you mean "was"?

-Brian sent him away.

-What?

-He wasn't on the visitors list.

I'll speak to Amy.

Oh -- purpose of visit?

-Jim, we've got to start making progress on this thing.

-Hey, hey, hey, hey, hey!

We had another Kitchen Cabinet after the Press Club, and we think we may have come up with a way that we can move Education Nation a step further.

-Okay, great.

-How's this for the makings of a good announcement?

-Let's hear it.

-From 26 January next year... -Nice.

-...every child in the Commonwealth of Australia... -Yeah?

-...will be guaranteed over the life of their school years... -Yeah?

-That's it.

-What?

-Oh, sorry.

Dot, dot, dot.

-I thought you said you had an announcement.

-I said we had the makings of an announcement.

Do you want me to send you this?

-Thanks for coming back.

-No problem.

-Sorry about the mixup.

-It's okay.

-Katie, what's with the massive lanyard?

-Oh, Brian.

-Ah.

-Katie, the pod's locked.

-Brian.

'Cause you left your FOI stuff in there.

-Where is Brian?

-Getting a coffee.

It's alright.

I've got the key.

-This FOI request.

-The good news is, as a government authority, you can apply for an extension.

-Push the whole thing back six months.

-Right.

Uh, but then?

-Extend again.

-Yeah, but eventually?

-Well, I guess it depends on the nature of the documents requested.

-Have you not read them?

-No.

Should I?

-Yes, I know that.

But I don't know why I have to show it to Brian every time I walk in.

-Because of the submarines.

-That doesn't make -- Sorry, why are my blinds down?

-Brian.

He thinks that someone from another building might see your computer and take a screenshot.

-Of our logo?

I think we can take that risk.

-Here he is.

-Hello!

-Ah.

Did you see the news poll this morning?

-Yes, I did!

-Seven points!

-Yeah.

That's 'cause of a lot of things.

-Nah.

It's Education Nation.

-They don't know that.

-Media Monitors do.

-Hence the smiles.

Listen to this -- FIVEAA Adelaide this morning.

-God.

-Host -- "We're talking about the Education Nation proposal.

Julie from Hindmarsh, you've got a comment."

Julie -- "Yes, Leon.

As a parent, I am just so excited by this initiative."

-Julie doesn't know w-- -Shh, shh!

Host -- "I agree, Julie."

Julie -- "It's about our kids and their future."

Host -- "Too right, Julie.

Time for a traffic update."

Oh, that's the end.

I've got 30 more like it.

-This thing's a winner.

-Same across the country.

One other thing keeps coming up.

I thought you could use it.

-Yeah?

-That we're falling behind China.

-Yeah, I didn't know that.

-In what?

-Not sure.

Maths, I want to say.

Music.

-Probably be maths.

Yeah.

-Whichever.

Point is, kids in Shanghai, way ahead of us.

-Wait a second.

We're crowdsourcing ideas from talkback radio?

-What's wrong with that?

-It's called democracy, Tony.

Listening to the people.

Besides, I've yet to hear a decent idea from you.

-Oh, he came up with Super Schools.

-My apologies.

-Yeah, I agree.

Nothing leaping out.

-Commercial in confidence?

-No.

-Cabinet briefing?

-No.

-Voluminous request.

Could divert resources.

-It took us 10 minutes to find them.

-Wow.

Guess there's only one thing we can do.

-Release them?

-Redact them.

-Redact?

-Yeah.

Block out the sensitive information.

It's within the act.

Let's see what we've got.

Are these copies?

-Yes.

-"Date of project."

I think we lose that.

"Name of project."

Hmm.

Could be a little sensitive.

-What's that?

-The carpark's location.

-Ah.

I don't think so.

-It's been open for a year.

-Just to be on the safe side.

-Critical thing is we keep shaping the message.

-No one knows what the message is.

-Even more critical, then.

-Hmm.

-So, where are we at?

-Nowhere.

-What do you mean nowhere?

-Sorry.

Nowhere, dot, dot, dot.

-You've had a week.

-Let's see what Karsten's come up with.

-When did Karsten get involved?

-Did I not tell you that?

-Just keep your hands there.

We'll get along fine.

-Oh, okay.

-Alright.

-Oh, uh, it's okay, Brian.

It's Karsten.

-Yeah.

-Okay, well, what's in the tubes?

-Uh...materials.

-Right.

Just get you to open one of them, slowly, for me.

-Uh, yep.

-Move.

-Moving slowly?

-Yep.

Very slowly.

Okay.

Stand back, Amy.

-Oh.

-Should be fine.

[ Air whooshes ] -Ooh.

-It's just a sound.

Now, I've gone through all of the materials.

-You mean the press release?

-And I've managed to come up with a few thought starters.

Memories.

Slates.

The times tables.

The three R's.

Yeah.

The digital age.

Screens.

Super Schools.

Our virtual future.

Yep.

Education Nation.

It's you.

It's me.

It's... -It's what?

-Dot, dot, dot.

I was told that you were gonna finish that.

-Wonderful job, Karsten.

-Namaste.

-This is ridiculous.

-Tony, you've had a week to complete one sentence.

Look what Karsten's come up with in a day.

-A media strategy and some slogans?

-Yes!

And?

-We still don't have an actual policy.

I don't think we do another thing until someone comes up with an actual policy.

-So the ad's on hold?

-What ad?

-Is my PA not CC'ing you?

-From broad skills to broadband.

From schools of the air to schools of the future.

A world where classrooms have no walls and learning knows no limits.

Education Nation.

Because every child deserves the chance to soar.

-Wow.

-Yep.

But at some point, we're actually gonna have to announce something concrete.

-Really?

-People aren't stupid.

-Eh, Cabinet's starting to ask questions.

Alright.

Well, let's have a look at what we've got in the bank.

-Education Nation.

-Tony's Super Schools idea.

-A press release and a slogan.

-And we're falling behind China -- -With a hint of xenophobia.

-It's a good start.

-[ Exhales sharply ] -Nat?

Those redacted documents you wanted?

-Yep.

-I've only been able to print half.

-Why?

-Well, we ran out of toner.

-There's a delivery coming this afternoon.

-Okay.

-I think we all agree Education Nation is a wonderful concept.

-Yeah, absolutely.

Did you see that Galaxy poll this morning?

-I did.

-Yeah, PM's approval up another three.

-But we just can't afford to get bogged down in detail.

-What do you normally do in these situations?

-Palm it off to you.

-What?

-Well, that clearly hasn't worked.

-I came up with 10 priorities.

-Again, detail.

-Could we commission a report?

-What for?

-To buy us a few months.

-Okay.

-But what about a proper, extensive report?

-Six months?

-Is that -- I mean, seriously, a real report.

-Nine?

-Is that all?

-Headed by an eminent Australian?

-Ooh.

This is sounding better.

-Okay.

A wide-ranging, thorough report benchmarked against international best practice.

-Overseas travel.

We're talking at least two years.

-That should be enough.

-Okay.

Well, then, uh, Education Nation begins with a report -- a-a landmark study, an intergenerational blueprint for the future.

-Brilliant.

-Yeah, in order to... -Yeah?

-What?

-Oh, Nat, I just got a call from the minister's office.

His chief of staff actually read the FOI request.

-And?

-Well, that project finished on time and under budget.

-I know.

-Well, he's rapt.

They want to get the documents out there.

-What?

-He's happy for them to be released provided it's not too voluminous.

-Hugh, I've spent the last three weeks coming up with reasons to block that request.

How are we gonna suddenly now get them out there?

-We could leak them?

-Do you know a journo?

-Um... I know one.

[ Rock music plays ] ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ -On 2.

1, 2.

-[ Clicks tongue ] -He's dead.

Next target.

-Katie.

[ Clicks tongue ] -Clean.

Next.

Now go.

Move.

Hustle.

Remember your training.

-Smoke grenade.

♪♪♪ -He's dead.

♪♪ ♪♪ ♪♪♪