About Us

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

From our original First Nations storytellers, 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 nation.

Through a range of research, advocacy, and initiatives, Australia Reads promotes the joys and benefits of reading for all Australians, and empowers others to champion reading within their communities.

We want to see a ‘reading nation’ where….

Books and reading are a normal, enjoyable part of daily life
A diverse range of stories are published and read
Children and young people grow up with the skills and opportunities to read for pleasure
Australians have easy access to books, and opportunities to connect with authors
All kinds of reading genres and formats are embraced and celebrated

What we do

Australia Reads was founded in 2020, and between 2012-2023 ran the Australian Reading Hour as our flagship program.

Since then, Australia Reads has grown to champion the benefits of books and reading through the following activities:

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 and resources to upskill and inspire the books industry to promote reading for pleasure to their communities and audiences.
Campaigns: Research-backed public messaging 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