We do have that framework, it's called supply and demand. Collectively, we buy what we need the most, at the best price. We sell what we can offer, at the best price. Value is determined in this way. Prices encompass not just currency, but also preferences.

Bureaucracies grow because people demand them to grow, it's just not that obvious. Something somewhere is always wrong and unjust, so people petition politicians for change. The tool of a politician is lawmaking, so more laws are created. Implementing a law requires a bureaucracy. A bureaucracy requires managers. Managers want to hire more subordinates, not less. Subordinates are paid by the hour and promoted according to plan, so there is no incentive to work faster. In effect, everyone involved is always busy with something and nobody appears lazy or irresponsible.

I would argue that the tax system of (in this example) Australia is exactly what the Australians asked for, the system that they deserve. They just don't know they asked for it.