The three major aims in conducting an investigation of the national science statement and profile can be framed in the form of three questions: do the statement and profile adequately address the needs of the science education of Australian students?; are the statement and profile internally consistent in what they say about science and science education?; and is what the statement and profile say about science and science education supported by research and expert opinion. In investigating the first aim, the intention is to determine whether the statement and profile are an appropriate response to the issues raised in 'Science for everybody?', 'Towards a national science statement' (1988), and in the Australian Science Teachers Association report, 'Science in Australian schools' ( 1985). Both the paper and the report are considered reflections on the needs of science education in Australia. In addition, to provide breadth of view the statement and profile will be examined against major science education statements from within and beyond Australia, the latter acting as some form of yardstick against which the adequacy of the Australian response can be compared. In investigating the second aim, related sections and statements within the statement and profile are examined and compared against each other for internal consistency. In investigating the third aim, the views of science and science education presented in the statement and profile are compared against those in the current research literature. In addition, specific issues which the statement raises in developing key ideas (such as science in society, science and the environment, the general usefulness of science education and the function of student assessment and reporting in science education) are included as they arise.