Inquiry into Building Asia Capability in Australia through the education system and beyond

Terms of Reference

The House of Representatives Standing Committee on Education will inquire into the development of Asia capability within our nation, including the teaching and learning of Asian languages, cultural literacy, and regional engagement within and beyond the formal education system. The inquiry will consider how Australia can build Asia capability across the life course, from early learning through to tertiary education and into the workforce. It will seek to identify system-level reforms and structural enablers that may support development of Australia's Asia capability. The inquiry will include consideration of: • structural enablers and barriers to developing Asia capability, including national and state and territory responsibilities under the Constitution, societal attitudes, institutional arrangements, workforce supply and demand issues and availability of national data. • good practice models for building Asia capability, including through language learning, intercultural understanding, and regional engagement - including immersive experiences and utilising digital technologies. • the current state of Asian language learning and Asian cultural studies in schools, universities and the community, and strategies to stimulate demand and improve access. • opportunities to develop and promote the value of Asian cultural literacy, intercultural understanding and Asian diplomacy skills outside of language learning - across schools, universities, communities, the workforce, industry and government. • expectations for whole-of-government coordination and collaboration, including roles and responsibilities of Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Department of Home Affairs, Department of Education, Department of Employment and Workplace Relations, Austrade, Jobs and Skills Australia and state and territory governments. • other matters the committee considers relevant. PO Box 6021Parliament HouseCANBERRACanberra ACT 2600Phone:+61 2 6277 4573edu.reps@aph.gov.au