This paper discusses the role of quality assurance in New South Wales school systems, which was created from the restructuring of traditional centralized bureaucracies. The emergent structure is comprised of devolved networks of schools operating within decentralized state systems. The purposes of these school systems are to enhance network effectiveness and to implement government policy initiatives. The paper first discusses the organizations that have evolved from recent reforms to decentralize school systems in most Australian states. It next discusses quality-assurance programs in school systems and analyzes key features of school inspectorates that existed for most of the first century of Australian public education. The role of quality assurance in the emerging network school systems is also described. If school systems are to develop as network organizations, the following issues must be addressed: the amount of line management needed for implementation; access and exit arrangements for member organizations; and community and government roles. One table is included. (Contains 25 references.) (LMI)