Languages Policy Partnership priorities update
The establishment of the Languages Policy Partnership (LPP) in March 2023 marked the start of a new way of working together to focus national attention on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages under Target 16 of the National Agreement for Closing the Gap – which sets out to ensure that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages are strong, supported and flourishing, and that by 2031 there is an increase in the number and strength of languages being spoken.
In its establishment, it has been important to build strong foundations and shared vision and expectations within the group. FLA provides the primary and lead secretariat support to the LPP. In our secretariat role, we have been working to ensure that the partnership meetings run with good governance and processes for informed and shared decision-making. Given the LPP is the first partnership of this scale and kind for the languages sector, it has been important to undertake mapping and build a bank of data and information for decision-making at national level.
At the heart of its focus and work are the needs and aspirations of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities across the Country. The LPP has the unique challenge and opportunity to consider matters that are important to diverse communities across the country and to provide support.
In its work the LPP has identified 7 key priority areas of focus, informed by the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander representatives, First Languages Australia, and from community members who have provided input through surveys. With more than 97 per cent of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander participants in favour of each of the 7 priorities, the priority areas are:
Speaking and using languages
Supporting the people, groups and organisations who work in languages
More funding that goes where communities need it
Languages legislation
Bringing languages home to the people and communities
Access to Country
Help people understand the importance of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Languages.
The LPP works by a 3-year strategic plan and will continue to set annual workplans following our final in person partnership meeting in December 2024.
More information and updates from the LPP are available online.
