Literacy is an investment in the future. Addressing literacy inequality will ensure a fairer and more productive Australia post COVID-19.
Adult Learning Australia (ALA) and the Australian Council for Adult Literacy (ACAL) have called on the federal government to establish a framework for increasing the level of adult literacy by 20% at PIAAC 2031/32. In a letter to the Prime Minister, ALA and ACAL recommended that the Australian government develop and resource an evidence-based National Adult Literacy Strategy as part of its COVID-19 Roadmap to Recovery that:
- Includes a comprehensive audit of the current provision of adult literacy education programs around Australia (both accredited and non-accredited education programs) that
identifies and evaluates effective interventions in adult literacy education including community based programs and explores family literacy for Indigenous and other socially and economically marginalised Australian communities - Addresses the national skills shortage of qualified adult literacy educators and builds the capacity of the workforce, including professionals and volunteers.
Read our letter to the PM.
Read the response letter from Senator the Hon Michaelia Cash, Minister for Employment, Skills, Small and Family Busines.