The strategy sets a shared direction for Commonwealth, state and territory governments for adult foundation skills nationally over the decade 2025–2035. Reflecting a shared commitment to build foundation skills levels among Australian adults, the strategy is designed to enhance the lives of those who face daily struggles in reading, writing, mathematics or computer use. 

An agreed reform of the National Skills Agreement is to improve foundation skills training capacity, quality and accessibility. As part of this reform, the Australian and state and territory governments agreed to work together to develop a National Foundation Skills Strategy. The strategy outlines agreed areas of national focus against which the Australian and state and territory governments will align their priorities and actions.

Focus areas

• Access and inclusion – to identify and reach out to those who could benefit from foundation skills training, helping them to access the support they need, and fostering positive community attitudes towards people seeking to build foundation skills.
• Sustainable workforce – to support growth across the foundation skills workforce – growing the number of teachers and tutors, supporting the development and maintenance of skills and networks, and providing up-to-date teaching resources.
• Sector architecture – to improve and update the key mechanisms and governance arrangements underpinning the foundation skills sector.