Australian Literature in Decline

Media Release, Australian Council for the Arts, 1 August 2007; The Age, Jewel Topsfield, 2 August
2007; The Australian, Justine Ferrari, 7 August 2007; The Age, Jewel Topsfield, 7 August 2007

 

The Australian Literature in Education roundtable is to be held in Canberra on Tuesday 7 August 2007. Chaired by Dr
Imre Salusinszky of the Australia Council Literature Board, a host of Australian authors, publishers, teachers,
academics and the former NSW Premier, The Honourable Bob Carr, will discuss the decline of interest in Australian Literature.

The main topic of discussion will be how to place more contemporary and classic Australian literature into Australian
high school and university curricula. The participants in the roundtable will also address the declining numbers in
students studying Australian literature, and the way in which it is taught and presented.

Literature Board deputy chair Dr Peter Holbrook says that the way Australian literature is taught should be
revolutionised in order to ‘excite students about their national literature.’ He adds that there are ‘concerns around the teaching of literature’ that mirror the concerns raised in last year’s history summit.

Furthermore, Minister for Education, Science and Training, Julie Bishop, has announced that the Federal Government
will provide $1.5 million to establish a university chair for Australian Literature.

'As the Minister for Education, I am keenly aware of the need to ensure our schools play their role in ensuring
Australian literature is not overlooked by the nation,' Ms Bishop said.

 

Back to August News Archives   •   Back to News Page