The case for increased second language learning in Australia is better grounded in the personal benefits to individual learners than in arguments about economic and social benefits according to this review of research.

The review traces the history of language learning in Australia, outlines the findings of research from Australia and overseas and proposes a new rationale for language learning policy and a major improvement in the quality of language teaching across the nation. Joseph Lo Bianco argues that, while the single most important variable in second language education is the quality of language teachers, at times the quality of language teaching in Australia has been too low.