LITERACY FACT SHEET

There is compelling evidence to support the need for, and benefits of, Australia becoming a nation of readers.

The literacy issue in Australia

According to the 2006 Adult Literacy and Life Skills Survey, nearly half of all Australians (46%) dont have the literacy skills they need to cope with the complex demands of everyday life and work in the emerging knowledge-based economy. http://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs@.nsf/mf/4228.0 A survey by the Australian Industry Group in May 2010 of major employers found that more than 75% felt their businesses were affected by low levels of literacy and numeracy in the workforce. http://www.aigroup.com.au/portal/site/aig/education/workforceliteracy/

Addressing the issue

The Rudd Government in 2010 acknowledged the issue and pledged nearly $120 million over four years for literacy initiatives. http://www.deewr.gov.au/ministers/gillard/media/releases/pages/article_100511_173837.aspx

Family literacy initiatives provide hope for future generations

The most active period of brain growth and development is from birth to three and it is widely recognised that sharing books with young children before they go to school greatly improves their chances of developing good literacy skills. http://www.bookstart.org.uk/professionals/aboutbookstart-and-the-packs/research/reviews-and-resources/sharies-stories/ The State Library of Queensland is leading a library project to develop an Australian national early literacy strategy. At present, there are active programs at state-level. Examples include Better Beginnings, Western Australia [http://www.better-beginnings.com.au/]; the Victorian State Government Young Readers Program [http://www.slv.vic.gov.au/learn/reading-literacy/youngreaders-program]; the Little Big Book Club [http://www.thelittlebigbookclub.com.au/region.php], and Flying Start, in Queensland [http://deta.qld.gov.au/aflyingstart/].

For more information, contact Sue McKerracher Donna McDowell T: 0404 456749 T: 0406 575321 E: sue@thelibraryagency.org.au Website: www.love2read.org.au

E: donna@thelibraryagency.org.au