The authors trace a brief history of education policy in Australia which has contributed to the present climate in which inclusion as possible. The authors go on to illustrate, however, how exclusionary practices can persist in spite of policy changes and argue that this occurs because of attitudinal reasons. When people are reluctant to change, policy can be subverted. The authors also describe the dangers of categories in disability and how these can be defined in such a way as to exploit funding and resources. Keyword: Education