Not sure what you mean by "I just don't see it" Tisme but you are right about teacher freedom. However the department heads, principals, directors etc are all accountable. What becomes most important is the nature of leadership and the inclusion of teachers in decision making. But, as in most organisations, decision-making is withing the confines of matters such as the Australian [or State version of] Curriculum.
My previous comment was actually referring to resource in primary schools.
And, as in all occupations, there are teachers who are "better" than others.
Schools often have the autonomy to determine their own "specialist" programs [numeracy and literacy are a given]. But Primary schools simply are not equipped to do it all. I know of one primary school that has a dedicated science program with an internationally acclaimed specialist. Another school might determine they need to prioritise physical education for example. And increasingly schools are also responsible to their specific community via a School Board.
Big topic with no easy answer. Kids deserve a quality education with quality teachers. The vast majority of teachers, in my 50 years of experience, are very committed. But they are also an easy target for those who wish to blame.
Of course I have no proofs of that and I'm not sure if true unadulterated datasets exist to discriminate between state and private.
