We’re calling on our community to help engage your federal MPs and Senators in the upcoming Parliamentary Friends of Books and Reading event in Canberra
Chris Hammer, Robbie Arnott and Sally Rippin are some of the leading Australian authors who will be joining us in Canberra next month to advocate for the value of books and reading.
They will be special guests at the Parliamentary Friends of Books and Reading event to be held in Parliament House on Monday 7 September.
We’re honoured to have Dr Carina Garland MP and Senator David Pocock taking the helm as Co-Chairs of the Parliamentary Friends of Books and Reading.
Parliamentary Friends groups bring together politicians of different political persuasions to show support and advocate for issues and communities of interest.
This event is a major opportunity to engage parliamentarians on the issue of reading, with the aim to:
- Make a clear and direct call to Government to support reading
- Equip Parliamentarians with messaging to advocate for books and reading
- Showcase and celebrate Australian stories
The event forms a key part of Australia Reads’ strategy to secure Government cross-portfolio commitments to policy recommendations for reading, including:
- A national reading strategy, with funding and impact tracking
- Major national reading campaigns for both adults and young Australians
- A mandate for libraries in all Australian schools
We need your help!
We want to engage as many Australian parliamentarians as possible on the issue of reading.
That’s why we’re asking you to write to your local federal MP and Senator to encourage them to come along to the Parliamentary Friends of Books and Reading event.
Use our template below for inspiration, and add in information relevant to your local area about why we need support for books and reading!
[MP’s full name including honorific and postnominal letters]
Member for [Insert name of Local Government Area]Dear [MP name],
I’m writing today to ask you to show your support for reading by attending the Parliamentary Friends of Books and Reading event hosted by Dr Carina Garland MP, Senator David Pocock and Australia Reads in Canberra on Monday 7 September 2026.
Reading is vital to a healthier, happier and more connected nation. Research shows that regular reading for pleasure improves our mental and physical health, bolsters our education and employment opportunities, and strengthens our democracy.
Despite these benefits, 30% of Australian adults and young people don’t read for pleasure, and the latest NAPLAN studies show a worrying decline in reading ability for our young people.
[Where possible, add in any local statistics or information relevant to your local area and / or Member]
As a constituent in your local area, I would like to warmly encourage you and your staffers to attend the event next month to meet with leading Australian authors and industry representatives, and learn more about how you can support efforts to build a reading nation.
Kind regards,
[Insert name]
[Role]
[Contact details]