A new conceptual framework for further education has been developed as part of the reforms currently being undertaken by Australia's Adult, Community, and Further Education Board. Four key principles underpin the curriculum framework: multiplicity, connectedness, critical intelligence, and transformation. According to the framework, educational practices are central to realizing the lifelong learning goals and further education values embedded in the four principles. The framework is based on a definition of "outcomes" that includes knowledge and understanding along with behavior and skills, and it was developed with consideration for key political and economic, scientific and technological, cultural, justice, work, governance, demographic, and regional issues currently facing Australia. The curriculum design model has been characterized as follows: a "package deal" that fuses frequently isolated curriculum aspects (practices, outcomes, recognition, and pathways) to create an integrated, rich learning experience; a model that is open, inclusive, and enduring, as well as responsive and dynamic; a "devolution of power" model that affirms the central significance of teachers, learners, and coordinators in localizing and negotiating learning to achieve tailored, good-quality learning outcomes; and a model incorporating lifelong learning. (Appended are a list of factors influencing the frameworks evolution and acknowledgments. Contains 97 references.) (MN)