Discusses the problem of the teaching of religion in state schools in Australia. A brief historical outline with emphasis on the period 1826 and 1872 is given. Political background encompassing the secular acts and the case for the teaching of religion in State schools as argued in the report of the Russell Committee (Religious Education in State Schools, 1972) in Victoria. Reviews reports of ministerial committees of enquiry set up in the various states since 1970 into the teaching of religion in state schools in Australia. The writer looks at the problem of curriculum design for the teaching of religion in a pluralist society in the state schools in Australia. The conclusion emphasises again the notion of the relationship between religion and culture and the implications of this for curriculum design in religious education.