New push to boost literacy

A POWERFUL network has committed to tackling Tasmania's woeful literacy rate.

Half of the state's adults struggle to read and write well enough to get through daily life.

The 26TEN network -- set up under a $17 million adult literacy five-year plan -- is made up of business and community groups that will work to improve literacy and numeracy rates.

Premier Lara Giddings, right, said the campaign would shine a spotlight on the problem and encourage the community and economy to break free from the shackles of poor literacy.

Almost 50 per cent of Tasmanians have inadequate literacy skills to cope with everyday needs, including filling in forms and reading bank statements, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics.

The national rate is about 47 per cent.

A Tasmanian Council of Social Service study said low literacy was strongly linked to poor job opportunities, depression and the inability to help children learn, which was continuing the cycle of disadvantage.

An army of volunteer tutors has reached 570, marshalled by 23 paid co-ordinators.

"We all need to work together to break down stigma and help more Tasmanians get the skills they need to secure jobs and opportunities," Ms Giddings said at yesterday's launch in Parliament House.

"Literacy isn't just about reading and writing, it's also about technology, problem solving and communicating with others. It impacts on our quality of life, on participation, on productivity in our workplaces and on health and wellbeing."

Education and Skills Minister Nick McKim said it was not good enough that almost one in two Tasmanians had difficulty with important daily chores, or even enjoying a book with their children.

"This needs to change, and what sets Tasmania apart from the rest of the country is that we have an action plan for change," Mr McKim said.

26TEN program president Jane Forward said it was unique and about two years' work had already been done.

"We hope more and more organisations get involved," she said.

Unions Tasmania president Roz Madsen said the issue affected the workplace and people's confidence.

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