International Workforce Literacy Review: Australia

Author: Louise Wignall and Robert Bluer

This review outlines the work that is taking place in the area of workforce literacy in Australia. It was written in June 2007 drawing on data and information available at that time. Since the report was written, the Australian Labor Party replaced the Coalition government after winning the Federal election in November 2007. Subsequently, the Department of Education Science and Training (DEST) (referred to in the report) has been replaced by the Department of Employment, Education and Workplace Relations.

In addition, since the report was written the second round of Adult Literacy and Lifeskills Survey (ALLS) data has been released providing up to date information on Australia''''s ALLS performance.

This review is one of five international reviews commissioned by the Department of Labour in 2007 to inform the Upskilling Partnership Programme. This programme is researching approaches that engage employers in workplace literacy, language and numeracy programmes, in order to help raise their productivity.

This review backgrounds the context for workforce literacy in Australia, provides an overview of key policies related to workplace literacy, provides information on literacy provision and the outcomes of literacy provision, and concludes with what is happening in relation to literacy capacity building.

International Workforce Literacy Review: Australia is available as a PDF document.
The document is 893KB, and 67 pages.

International Workforce Literacy Review: Australia [HTML]
International Workforce Literacy Review: Australia [pdf 67 pages, 893KB]