About Us

Australia Reads is on a mission to get more Australians reading.

From the oral storytelling tradition of our First Nations peoples, to the diverse range of book genres and formats enjoyed today – stories are an integral part of Australia’s culture and identity.

Recreational reading has proven benefits across health, education, and employment, and is vital to a healthier, happier, and more connected country.

Most Australians value books, and want to read more. However, as reading rates fall globally, the evidence is clear: Australians need support to make reading a part of their daily lives.

Through research, advocacy, campaigns and resources, Australia Reads works through partnerships to understand reading behaviours, and drive meaningful social change.

Our vision

Books and reading are a normal, enjoyable part of daily life.
Children and young people grow up with the skills and desire to read for pleasure.
All Australians have access to books, the confidence to select their next read, and opportunities to connect with authors.
Australian authors are valued and a diverse range of stories are published and read.
All kinds of reading genres and formats are embraced and celebrated.
Australian publishers, bookstores and libraries are thriving.

Who we are

Australia Reads is the leading national organisation for reading in Australia.

Originally founded as an industry-led initiative in 2019, the organisation launched as an independent not-for-profit in 2026.

We work with publishers, educators, libraries and booksellers, and authors to drive a strong, united vision for getting more Australians reading, more often.

What we do

Australia Reads aims to increase reading rates in Australia and inform the national conversation around reading through:

Research: Data-backed insights into reader behaviours and trends to inform the industry.
Advocacy: Policy advice and recommendations for supporting reading at a State and Federal Government level.
Resources: Articles, training sessions and resources to upskill and inspire the books industry to increase reading for pleasure in their communities and audiences.
Campaigns: Evidence-backed public messaging and media coverage about the joys and benefits of reading for pleasure.

“Reading has the power to transform lives one word and one page at a time.”

Sally Rippin,
2024 Children’s Laureate

“Reading for pleasure is one of the most important gifts you can give to a child. It sparks their imagination and opens doors to endless possibilities, inspiring them to dream big and explore new worlds.”

Anthony Field, The Wiggles

“The evidence is clear. Being read to and reading – real books and stories – are essential components of human development.”

Dr Norman Swan

“Reading takes you to places you’ll never go, to meet people you’d never normally meet, and to confront situations and opinions that are often outside your comfort zone.”

Mem Fox, bestselling children’s author

“Australia reads, Australia learns, Australia grows. And then it heals, strengthens, transforms and soars.”

Trent Dalton, bestselling author

“I know first-hand how life changing reading can be… it keeps us safe from harm and comforts us in our isolation.”

Alice Pung OAM, award-winning Australian writer

“Reading has the power to transform lives one word and one page at a time.”

Sally Rippin, 2024 Children’s Laureate

“Reading for pleasure is one of the most important gifts you can give to a child. It sparks their imagination and opens doors to endless possibilities, inspiring them to dream big and explore new worlds.”

Anthony Field, The Wiggles

“The evidence is clear. Being read to and reading – real books and stories – are essential components of human development.”

Dr Norman Swan

“Reading takes you to places you’ll never go, to meet people you’d never normally meet, and to confront situations and opinions that are often outside your comfort zone.”

Mem Fox, bestselling children’s author

“Australia reads, Australia learns, Australia grows. And then it heals, strengthens, transforms and soars.”

Trent Dalton, bestselling author

“I know first-hand how life changing reading can be… it keeps us safe from harm and comforts us in our isolation.”

Alice Pung OAM, award-winning Australian writer

Our Board of Directors

Louise Stark – CEO, Hachette Australia (Chair)
Patrizia di Biase-Dyson – CEO, Australian Publishers Association
Susannah Bowen – CEO, BookPeople, Australian Booksellers Association
Lucy Hayward – CEO, Australian Society of Authors
Josephine Johnston – CEO, Copyright Agency
Cathie Warburton – CEO, Australian Library and Information Association

Australia Reads works with partners across the country in our shared mission to champion books and reading in Australia. Find out more about how to partner with us, or get involved with the mission.

Want to get in touch for a media story about reading? Find out more and contact us here.