ttbn,

The situation is even more complex than you might imagine.
I don't have the sources or exact figures in front of me now but I will summarise:

Research over the last 75 years constantly shows that at least 90% of those who enter teaching courses have already decided on the approach and style of teaching they will employ before they start the course.

After 4 years of study that 90 odd percent will not have changed their minds.

So for most beginning teachers they will more or less just copy the approaches that were used on them in school and will neglect four years worth of classes and study.

So in subjects such as Maths and Science (the ones I am most familiar with) the teaching style is very much 1940s in appearance and shows little resemblance to the approaches contained in the Australian Curriculum.

It is not the Curriculum that is the problem. It can't be because 90% of teachers are not teaching (and have never taught) the Curriculum as it has been designed.

Liberals have been in government for eight years without doing something.
ttbn,
I agree but I need to answer this with a question. Seeing that Education is Labor saturated what could the Liberals do to make the changes needed ? The teachers Unions would sabotage anyone who dares to upset their band wagon, even a Federal Govt !

Governments can make laws, unions cannot, and they are subject to the law. Labor politicians might cause problems, but it up to the government to make its case and, if necessary, negotiate to achieve its goals. Crossbenchers are there to be convinced, too. The Liberals are just not tough enough or they simply don't have the courage of their convictions or, like their leader, they don’t have convictions.

WTF

I've never been a teacher, but my wife was one, and I have known quite a lot of teachers, but don't recall any like those you describe. Besides, the current curriculum is not causing horror; it's what the activists are calling a "revision", which is - or would be if they got away with it - a complete re-writing.

ttbn,
Even a Govt is powerless when its own employees refuse to cooperate with it !

Talked to a part-time teacher yesterday, earns $83/hr.