The House of Representatives Standing Committee on Education has today launched an inquiry into building Asia capability in Australia and is seeking written submissions to guide the inquiry's findings.
Committee Chair, Hon Tim Watts MP, 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.'
'Our region is becoming more dynamic, complex and consequential. Australia's education system will need deeper Asia capability than ever before so that our future leaders and institutions can be effective in our region.'
'Despite this, on many measures Australia's Asia capability has been going backwards in our schools and universities for decades. Between 2004 and 2022, there was a 75 per cent decline in enrolments in Southeast Asian languages at Australian universities.'
'Asia capability is a vital sovereign capability – building it is a whole of nation challenge.
'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,' Mr Watts said.
The Committee welcomes written submissions providing recommendations in response to the terms of reference by Friday, 7 November 2025. Submissions are encouraged from a wide range of stakeholders, including government, peak bodies and academics, as well as educators and students who can provide firsthand experiences of Asia capability in the education system.
