The Australian Government has launched an inquiry into building Asia capability in Australia through the education system and beyond and is now seeking written submissions.
The House of Representatives Standing Committee on Education launched the inquiry last week to consider how Australia can build Asia capability, from early learning through to tertiary education and into the workforce.
Tim Watts, Chair of the Committee and Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs in the last Albanese Government, said “Australia’s future prosperity and security relies on the Asia capability of our people – the mix of cultural understanding, language facilities and regional experiences that are needed to be effective in Asia”.
“The inquiry will focus on the enablers and barriers to building Asia capability in schools and universities, strategies to stimulate demand and improve access to language learning and the role of new technologies and diaspora communities,” Watts said.
The terms of reference of the inquiry (available online here) includes 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.
Submissions are due by Friday, 7 November 2025 and more information, including how to make a submission to a parliamentary committee is available here.
