Terms of reference

The House of Representatives Standing Committee on Employment, Education and Training will inquire into and report on adult literacy, numeracy and problem-solving skills in Australia, including but not limited to:

the relationship between adult literacy, numeracy and problem-solving skills and socio-demographic characteristics, particularly migrant status, First Nations status and individuals living in households that have experienced intergenerational unemployment

the effect that literacy and numeracy skills have on an individual’s labour force participation and wages

links between literacy and social outcomes such as health, poverty, ability to care for other family members and participation in civic life

the relationship between parents’ literacy skills and their children’s education and literacy skill development from birth to post-secondary education

whether changes to schooling in 2020 as a result of COVID-19 will have a disproportionate impact on the skill development of those children of parents with lower literacy and numeracy levels, and, if yes, consideration of appropriate remediation programs which might address this

the availability, impact and effectiveness of adult literacy and numeracy educational programs in Australia and internationally

international comparisons of government policies and programs that may be adapted to the Australian experience.

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Terms of reference

About this inquiry

Past Public Hearings