Further hearings announced for adult literacy inquiry

THE House Employment, Education and Training Committee will hear evidence from key organisations and experts based in Western Australia, New South Wales and the Northern Territory, as hearings continue for the inquiry into adult literacy and its importance.

Committee Chair, Andrew Laming MP said, "The committee continues to receive important evidence about the difficulties encountered by people with low English language, literacy, numeracy and digital literacy (LLND) skills.

"We have heard that low LLND skills have a negative impact on labour force participation, wages and productivity, and limits people’s social and civic engagement. Australians with low LLND skills may have difficulty understanding and acting on emergency warnings and health advice and may not be aware of their legal and financial rights and responsibilities," Mr Laming said.

"The committee has heard that the Adult Community Education (ACE) sector plays an important role in helping people to develop their LLND skills, but that support for ACE varies across States and Territories and much of this vital work is carried out by volunteers. The committee has also heard that stigma and shame are common reasons why people with low LLND skills do not seek assistance and support."

"The committee looks forward to examining these issues further during this week’s public hearings," Mr Laming said.

Public hearing details

Date: Wednesday, 28 July 2021
Time: 10am to 1pm (AEST)
Location: via videoconference

Date: Thursday, 29 July 2021
Time: 8.30am to 11.45am (ACST)
Location: Territory Room, Mercure Darwin Airport, 1 Sir Norman Brearly Dr, Darwin, NT

The hearings will be broadcast live at aph.gov.au/live.

Further details about upcoming public hearings are available on the Committee’s website.

 

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