
Dot Dot Dot
5/1/2026 | 26m 46sVideo has Closed Captions
Education Nation wins praise but mystifies; Nat handles an FOI request.
When the Government announces 'Education Nation' it is met with rapturous praise. Only one problem - no one knows what it is. Nat is tasked with handling a Freedom of Information request.
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Utopia is a local public television program presented by WETA

Dot Dot Dot
5/1/2026 | 26m 46sVideo has Closed Captions
When the Government announces 'Education Nation' it is met with rapturous praise. Only one problem - no one knows what it is. Nat is tasked with handling a Freedom of Information request.
Problems playing video? | Closed Captioning Feedback
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Learn Moreabout PBS online sponsorship-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.
♪♪ ♪♪ ♪♪♪
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