Low levels of literacy severely limit a person’s ability to understand and ‘access, apply health-related information and messages. This results in poor household and personal health, hygiene and nutrition' (WLF 2015). By allocating sufficient and appropriate resources and support to adults with health issues (including mental health) through ACE is potentially an effective preventative measure. While some of ALA’s previous recommendations have been advanced, particularly in terms of seniors and digital literacy, there’s still more to do. Recommendations Learning Australia proposes that the Commonwealth should: Maximise positive outcomes from the ACE sector by formally acknowledging ACE as a significant contributor to education and training provision and in of attracting disengaged learners through a renewed Ministerial Declaration on ACE. Ensure the next Commonwealth Skills agreement with the States and Territories articulates a specific role for locally focussed, not for profit ACE organisations. In the 2017–18 Federal Budget, the Commonwealth should: Ensure adults with barriers to learning are given the opportunity to develop the literacy and numeracy skills they need to build their confidence and contribute to our diverse and changing society through innovative ACE programs. Investment: $5,000,000 over 2 years Fund a national professional development program to develop the skills of adult literacy tutors and volunteers working in ACE organisations. Investment: $1,500,000 over 2 years Support a national family literacy strategy that focusses on socially and economically marginalised Australian communities; particularly Aboriginal Torres and Strait Islander communities. Investment: $3,500,000 over 2 years Provide access and equity in adult education by ensuring there is a community learning centre in every Australian community of more than 500 people more than 80 km from a university or TAFE campus. Investment: $15,000,000 over 3 years Build on Adult Learning Australia national oversight role of ACE by funding ALA and Adult Learners’ Week on an annual and ongoing basis.
Low levels of literacy severely limit a person’s ability to ‘access, understand and apply health-related information and messages. This results in poor household and personal health, hygiene and nutrition' (WLF 2015). By allocating sufficient and appropriate resources and support to adults with health issues (including mental health) through ACE is potentially an effective preventative measure. While some of ALA’s previous recommendations have been advanced, particularly in terms of seniors and digital literacy, there’s still more to do. Recommendations Learning Australia proposes that the Commonwealth should: Maximise positive outcomes from the ACE sector by formally acknowledging ACE as a significant contributor to education and training provision and in of attracting disengaged learners through a renewed Ministerial Declaration on ACE. Ensure the next Commonwealth Skills agreement with the States and Territories articulates a specific role for locally focussed, not for profit ACE organisations. In the 2017–18 Federal Budget, the Commonwealth should: Ensure adults with barriers to learning are given the opportunity to develop the literacy and numeracy skills they need to build their confidence and contribute to our diverse and changing society through innovative ACE programs. Investment: $5,000,000 over 2 years Fund a national professional development program to develop the skills of adult literacy tutors and volunteers working in ACE organisations. Investment: $1,500,000 over 2 years Support a national family literacy strategy that focusses on socially and economically marginalised Australian communities; particularly Aboriginal Torres and Strait Islander communities. Investment: $3,500,000 over 2 years Provide access and equity in adult education by ensuring there is a community learning centre in every Australian community of more than 500 people more than 80 km from a university or TAFE campus. Investment: $15,000,000 over 3 years Build on Adult Learning Australia national oversight role of ACE by funding ALA and Adult Learners’ Week on an annual and ongoing basis.
C2016-052_Adult-Learning-Australia.docx