Want to see support for reading prioritised in the next National Cultural Policy? We’re calling on our community to join us in making a submission by 24 May 2026.
The Australian Government has launched a national consultation for Australia’s next National Cultural Policy.
Building on the achievements 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.
Australia Reads welcomed Revive‘s commitment to developing new audiences, alongside the dedication to creators and the infrastructure that underpins our sector, and wants to see this commitment continued – and expanded – in the next National Cultural Policy.
For a thriving literary ecosystem, a focus on building reading rates must be prioritised.
In our submission, 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 that showcase Australian stories, highlighting contemporary titles and First Nations creators.
We’re calling on our wide community of publishers, librarians, booksellers, authors and illustrators to join us in calling on the Australian Government to prioritise support for reading.
You can download our full submission to the National Cultural Policy consultation, or copy and edit our short, 500-word submission below.
We also invite you to explore our reading advocacy platform, and download and share a range of social tiles calling for investment in reading.
Read our submission
Download Australia Reads’ full submission to the 2026 National Cultural Policy consultation.
Short version for editing
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.