More Australians will be able to access foundation skills support to improve their skills, confidence and employment opportunities.
The Minister for Skills and Training, the Hon Andrew Giles MP, announced today that the grant agreement with TAFE NSW to deliver the Reading Writing Hotline has been extended for an additional 3 years.
“The Reading Writing Hotline is a national treasure, and over more than 30 years has helped change the lives of countless Australians. Everyone should be supported to build their literacy and numeracy skills, on their terms. Too many Australians have faced barriers to getting these skills – barriers that shouldn’t have been there.”
Foundation skills—English language, literacy, numeracy and digital skills—underpin workforce participation, productivity, and social inclusion. Recognising the importance of strong foundation skills for all Australians, the increased investment in the Hotline will:
- support more people to access the Hotline, expanding outreach particularly in regional and remote communities
- enhance the Hotline’s digital presence and national visibility
- strengthen its link with a range of training and support services, including local or online foundation skills classes, learning resources or volunteer tutors and workplace programs.
The free national phone service also helps support teachers, employers and community workers, as well as people interested in becoming volunteer tutors.
Enhancing the Hotline forms part of delivering the National Foundation Skills Strategy 2025–2035. Since its establishment in 1994, the Hotline has been funded by the Australian Government and delivered by TAFE NSW.
Find out more
- Read the Minister’s media release
- Visit the Foundation Skills page on the DEWR website
- Visit the Reading Writing Hotline website