Here’s my ‘Author Take Homes’ from the groundbreaking report into understanding Australian readers, which was launched online on Thursday, 13th February, 2025. The findings were the result of the world-first study by Australia Reads  and BehaviourWorks at Monash University, ‘Understanding Australian Readers: Behavioural Insights into Recreational Reading’.

While Australian reading rates are in decline, the cold, hard data in this report clearly shows that a large percentage of people want to read; along with providing guidelines on how to encourage this. I really hope that these findings solidify the need to invest in quality Australian literature – supported by skilled editors and publishers; and promoted by skilled independent booksellers, librarians and the wider book-loving community. The many benefits of reading, to both the individual and society, are well documented. Let’s hope that this report is widely read and acted upon by the powers that be.  

[PS I can only assume that magazines and newspapers were left out of the study, so that it could focus its findings on longer-form recreational reading. I, personally, have cherished keeping a @natgeo magazine on my bedside table for the best part of 40 years, opening my eyes to the world.]