Let’s support reading in the next National Cultural Policy

Want to see support for reading prioritised by the Federal Government? Join us in making a submission to the policy consultation by 24 May 2026.

The Australian Government has launched a national consultation for Australia’s next National Cultural Policy – and they want to hear from you.

Building on the achievements of the current policy, Revive: a place for every story, a story for every place (Revive), this new policy will provide a framework for supporting the creative and cultural sector – including literature, books and reading.

Australia Reads welcomed Revive, which importantly included the creation of Writing Australia, and provided a focus on developing new audiences for arts and culture. Alongside the dedication to creators and the infrastructure that underpins our sector, we want to see this commitment continued – and expanded – in the next National Cultural Policy.

For a thriving literary ecosystem, a focus on increasing reading engagement is crucial.

We recommend the Australian Government support the growth of national reading rates through implementing:

• National reading campaigns for adults, children and young people, helping them overcome the barriers to regular reading.
• A library in every school, with professional staff and collection budgets, and more support for educators and parents to create strong reading cultures for students.
• Greater community access to books and reading through author touring initiatives, voucher schemes, and book club programs.
• Promotions showcasing Australian stories, highlighting contemporary titles and First Nations creators.

Join the call today, and ask the Australian Government to increase support for reading.

Making a submission

Make your submission through the form on the National Cultural Policy consultation website.

To help you prepare your submission, you can read our full submission as inspiration for your own version, or copy and edit our 250-word short version into the submission form.

We also invite you to explore our reading advocacy platform, with research and key stats, and download and share a range of social tiles calling for investment in reading.

Short version

I’m [name], and I’m an [eg. author/librarian/teacher/reading advocate.] 

In the next National Cultural Policy, I’m joining Australia Reads in calling for the Australian Government to invest in a reading nation. 

Reading provides better education and employment outcomes, reduces our stress and loneliness, supports social connection, and increases our empathy for others.

[Have a personal reflection on why reading is important? Add it in here!]

But reading rates are in decline. 30% of Australians didn’t read or listen to a book last year, 1 in 3 students can’t read proficiently, and 25% of Australian kids don’t get a bedtime story. 

That’s why we need urgent action from the Albanese Government to turn the tide on reading.

To ensure all Australians have access to the life-changing benefits of reading, I’d like to see the National Cultural Policy include interventions that provide:

• National reading campaigns for adults, children and young people, helping them overcome the barriers to regular reading.
• A library in every school, with professional staff and collection budgets, and more support for educators and parents to create strong reading cultures for students.
• Greater community access to books and reading through author touring initiatives, voucher schemes, and book club programs.
• Promotions that showcase Australian stories, highlighting contemporary titles and First Nations creators.

Kind regards,

[Name]

Submissions are due 11.59pm (AEST) on Sunday 24 May 2026. For more information on the consultation process, explore the National Cultural Policy Stakeholder Toolkit.