The 2011 Progress in International Reading Literacy Study (PIRLS) provides some very sobering statistics as to where Australia stands internationally with respect to education. The following ranks are for students in year four, compared internationally: In reading skills, Australia is ranked 27th out of 45; and in mathematics, 18th out of 45; and in science, 25th out of 45.
This example text from a political party manifesto is supportive of direct government control of the economy, e.g. price control or minimum wages