I believe that the way society views difference is shaped by political acts that require ensuring a high quality of life for all citizens, regardless of background or circumstances. Public institutions in Australia, such as schools, law enforcement agencies and government service providers, have an obligation to enforce rights to fair and equitable treatment for all citizens that reflect broader global human rights policies (Elkins, 2008). Global human rights declarations deem it unacceptable to discriminate against people because of race, age, sex, cultural or social background or disability, and this forms the basis for Australian standards in human rights legislation (Ashman, 2008 ; Australian Human Rights Commission, 2008; Center for Studies on Inclusive Education, 2008). The value of inclusive policies in society is strengthened as discriminatory behaviors in employment, education and law enforcement, once common, are viewed harshly and treated seriously (Australian Human Rights Commission, 2008) . Severe penalties for violating these standards require that service providers become aware of potential bias and discrimination in their interactions with "different people" that ripples into broader society and influences people's behavior, if not their attitudes to bottom. As schools and teachers are agents of social change, policies relating to inclusive education strongly demonstrate the government's commitment to accommodating diversity in Australian society (Disability Coordination and Regional Disability Liaison Officer Initiative, 2008). In contrast, policy and legislation relating to education in Australia currently reflects a federal government push towards standardization and accountability in sc...... middle of paper ......dustandards.info/ index.php*Elkins, J. (2008). Legislation, policies and principles. In A. Ashman and J. Elkins (Eds.), Education for inclusion and diversity. Frenchs Forest, NSW: Pearson Education Australia. Mc Tighe, J., & Brown, J. L. (2005). Differentiated instruction and educational standards; Is détente possible? From theory to practice, 44(3), 234-244.Queensland Education. (2005). Statement on inclusive education. Retrieved March 2, 2010, from http://education.qld.gov.au/studentservices/learning/docs/inclusestatement2005.pdf.The Curriculum Corporation. (2009). The Australian Curriculum. Retrieved March 8, 2010, from http://www.curriculum.edu.au/ccsite/the_australian_curriculum,28824.htmlWilliams, C.B., & Finnegan, M. (2003). From myth to reality; Good information for teachers about deaf students. Teaching exceptional children, 35(3), 40-45.