How do we get more people reading? What are the best ways to reach those who rarely read? And what can we practically do to influence reading habits?
Understanding Australian readers: Behavioural insights into recreational reading is a new research report by Australia Reads and Monash University’s BehaviourWorks Australia tackling these questions, and providing valuable insights into how to positively influence reading participation in Australia.
The report outlines the behaviours that constitute recreational reading, and the various drivers and barriers to these behaviours for different audience segments across the Australian population.
This research provides a practical and thought-provoking base to support an industry-wide conversation about how to reach these different readers through targeted campaigns and programs, as well as how to prioritise this work most effectively to shift national reading rates in Australia.
Download the Executive Summary
Explore the key takeaways and findings from the Understanding Australian readers report by Australia Reads and BehaviourWorks Australia.
Read the full report
Download the full Understanding Australian readers report from Australia Reads and BehaviourWorks Australia.
Research aims
Understanding Australian readers adopts a behavioural science approach to explore what influences recreational reading among Australians aged 16 and over, and aims to:
- Identify the key decisions and behaviours that influence how and when people read;
- Map out the reading journey and uncover the drivers and barriers at each ages; and
- Examine the specific drivers and barriers faced by different groups, with a particular on those who read less often
About BehaviourWorks Australia
BehaviourWorks Australia is the largest applied behaviour change research unit in Australia.
Part of the Monash Sustainable Development Institute (MSDI), BehaviourWorks Australia brings leading behaviour change researchers and practitioners together to find behavioural solutions to social, environmental and organisational problems.
Watch a recording of the Understanding Australian readers report launch webinar presented in February 2025
Want even more data? Download the full Understanding Australian readers Data Report
About the Researchers
Dr Breanna Wright
Dr Breanna Wright is a Senior Research Fellow and Co-Director of the Health and Social Portfolio at BehaviourWorks Australia, Monash University. Breanna specialises in unpacking complex problems using behavioural science to understand the drivers and barriers to specific behaviours. She has also done a lot of working understanding how differences between people can influence their behaviours and the types of solutions that are most likely to work.
Alyse Lennox
Alyse Lennox is a Senior Research Officer in the Health and Social Portfolio at BehaviourWorks Australia, Monash University. Alyse has worked across a range of topic areas and specialises in evidence reviews and qualitative research to understand behavioural problems, explore behavioural drivers and barriers and inform the development of behaviour change solutions.
Dr Fernanda Mata
Dr Fernanda Mata is a Research Fellow in the Health and Social Portfolio at BehaviourWorks Australia, Monash University. Fernanda uses behavioural science to explore the drivers and barriers that influence behaviour, helping to address complex challenges. With a strong foundation in quantitative research methods, she has a keen interest in leveraging data-driven insights to inform the design and evaluation of behavioural interventions tailored to diverse audiences.
