VET News

Laying the Foundations for All Australians

A new report underlines the importance of the Albanese Government’s foundation skills reforms, finding that 90 percent of respondents had unmet needs for adult literacy training, presenting major barriers to gaining better jobs and participating fully in society.  

The research undertaken by the Reading Writing Hotline paints a picture of the current community needs and barriers, and shows the needs for adult literacy, numeracy and digital literacy (LND) programs, courses and support. 

The report makes 17 recommendations, most of which the Commonwealth Government has advanced over the last year including providing support for Adult and Community Education delivery, increasing funding and flexibility and enhancing delivery and access. 

The report called for inequality in service delivery in remote locations and to First Nations communities to be addressed, and that delivery to be culturally appropriate and community led. 

Minister for Skills and Training, Brendan O'Connor said, "The system has failed people and for the sake of equity, inclusion and economic growth we are making significant reforms to remove barriers to better jobs and participating fully in society.  Improving foundation skills has economic, social and cultural benefits for the nation as well as for the individual."

The report also involved consultation with adult literacy providers, community sector providers and libraries. Surveying First Nations adult education providers, Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations and other community sector organisations around Australia.

Read the full Ministers' Media Centre release here. 

Date posted Nov 9, 2023