Adult literacy inquiry to hear from peak bodies

THE House Employment, Education and Training Committee will hear evidence from key peak bodies and other organisations by videoconference as hearings continue for the inquiry into adult literacy and its importance.

Committee Chair, Andrew Laming MP said, "The committee has received a broad range of evidence on the need for improved strategies for supporting people with low English language, literacy, numeracy and digital literacy to improve their skills and to access vital services.

"On Thursday, we will hear from the Federation of Ethnic Communities' Councils of Australia and the Settlement Council of Australia on migrant and refugee literacy issues. We will also hear evidence on the teaching of English to speakers of other languages from the Australian Council of TESOL Associations," Mr Laming said.

"To help us investigate First Nations literacy challenges, we will hear from the Literacy for Life Foundation, Tharawal Aboriginal Corporation and the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation.

"The Australian Primary Principals Association and the Australian Council of State School Organisations will provide evidence about school education, and Community Colleges Australia and the Australian Council of Adult Literacy will give evidence about adult literacy provision," he said.

"The committee will also hear from Family Planning New South Wales about the importance of health literacy, and the Mid North Coast Community Legal Centre, who will provide evidence on the difficulties people with low literacy experience accessing services and the support available to them."

Public hearing details

Date: Thursday, 19 August 2021
Time: 9am to 4pm (AEST)
Location: via videoconference
Program: available here.

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

Further information about the inquiry is available on the Committee’s website.

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