Carol Brown (Tasmania, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

I present the report of the Joint Standing Committee on Electoral Matters titled From classroom to community: civics education and political participation in Australia. I move:

That the Senate take note of the report.

The strength and stability of Australia's democracy depends on the capacity of our citizens to confidently engage with politics and cast an informed vote. Australia's system of compulsory voting means that all Australians need to be informed to participate in our democracy and elections. This is important at a time when democracies around the world, including Australia, are facing rising disengagement, distrust and misinformation and disinformation in a complex online information environment.

The report was informed by more than 130 submissions, 11 public hearings and five site visits around the country, from Canberra to Maningrida in Arnhem Land. The committee visited schools to hear from students and teachers and was hosted by migrant groups doing on-the-ground work and First Nations organisations in remote communities. The inquiry also heard from school students, educators and school leavers through an online survey which received almost 1,000 responses.

The committee heard strong evidence that effective civics education in schooling is critical to give young people the tools to be informed, responsible citizens. However, the current state of civics education is ineffective and varies considerably across the states and territories and even individual schools. Civics education is often given little time or focus. The content can be dry and lack relevance and does not teach practical skills like how to vote. We know there are some committed teachers who work very hard, but there are gaps in teacher training and confidence, and teachers fear backlash from bringing contemporary issues into the classroom. National civics education assessments of students in years 6 and 10 undeniably demonstrate this.

In this report, the committee recommends nationally aligned and mandated civics and citizenship content in the Australian curriculum and better support for teachers through high-quality professional development. This report also recommends increased resourcing and support so that more students, particularly those living in regional and remote areas, can visit Canberra or access digital learning experiences.

Civics education and civics engagement are lifelong learning processes that continue beyond the classroom. However, some Australians report never having received any form of civics education. This can result in feelings of alienation and distrust in political processes and institutions. Some groups have also faced challenges that impact their access to education and equal participation, including people from culturally and linguistically diverse communities, those living in regional, rural and remote areas, and young people.

We recommend that the Australian government work closely with trusted grassroots community organisations to provide meaningful and culturally appropriate voter education opportunities and materials. Support is also needed for polling stations in regional and remote communities. The committee also makes recommendations to ensure that diverse youth are given more meaningful opportunities to build their understanding of civics issues and have their say on formal policies and processes.

Misinformation and disinformation on social media thrive during electoral events. This inquiry also heard that, without strong media literacy skills, many Australians are left vulnerable to false narratives that can distort their understanding of democratic issues. The committee makes recommendations aimed at enhancing media literacy skills, for not only our young people but also adults and other vulnerable populations.

In the report, there is a one-page dissenting report authored by Senator the Hon. James McGrath which suggests that targeting civics education towards specific communities creates division, targeting our differences rather than what unites us. But our differences are what unite us. Australia is strong because we can celebrate what sets us apart with respect. The committee recommendations show that these initiatives are about removing barriers, ensuring accessibility and strengthening democracy for all Australians. Instead of excluding any group, the recommendations ensure that everyone, regardless of background, has the tools and knowledge to fully participate in Australian democracy.

On behalf of the committee, I extend my thanks to all those who contributed their time and expertise to this inquiry and say a special thanks to the JSCEM team and the inquiry team, led by Miriam Berger. I seek leave to continue my remarks later

Leave granted; debate adjourned.