Books Create Australia: Put books on the agenda this election
April 16, 2025
In the lead-up to the 3 May Federal Election, the Australian book industry is calling on all readers, writers, publishers and booksellers to stand up for books, stories and ideas. The Books Create Australia election campaign is a joint initiative by four of the sector’s leading organisations: the Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA), the Australian Publishers Association (APA), the Australian Society of Authors (ASA), and BookPeople.
What’s the campaign about?
The Books Create Australia campaign highlights the vital role that books and reading play in Australia’s cultural, educational, and economic life. From improving literacy and learning outcomes to supporting a thriving creative economy, Australian stories matter.
The campaign outlines key priorities for government support:
- Invest in reading Fund a national reading strategy to engage all Australians in the benefits of reading.
- Back Australian stories and publishers Invest in the supply chain to ensure that Australian stories are on shelves, in classrooms, and in the hands of readers.
- Guarantee support for libraries Mandate well-resourced school libraries with trained librarians, and support Australia’s 1700 public libraries to grow their collections.
- Fund Australian authors Invest in our authors to capture and reflect Australian stories and knowledge. Australian authors light the spark of our national life, writing the books that entertain, inspire, and educate.
- Ensure AI is fair AI is rapidly transforming our world, changing the book industry and education sector in profound ways – offering opportunities while posing significant risks.
- Sustain our literary life A reading and thinking nation needs a thriving literary ecosystem – from festivals and book clubs to literary magazines, agents, writers’ centres, children’s literature organisations, and literacy agencies.
- Grow our local bookshops Australia’s bookshops and booksellers enliven our suburbs and towns, drive local economies, and foster reading in our communities.
Together, these measures ensure that Australia remains a country that values reading, creativity and access to ideas.
How you can get involved
Everyone who loves books can help amplify this campaign. Here’s how you can show your support:
- Visit the campaign website to download posters and social media tiles: bookscreate.com.au
- Share the campaign on your social media channels using the hashtag #BooksCreateAustralia
- Display the campaign poster in your bookstore, library, school or workplace
- Ask your local candidates to support the campaign’s policy asks
- Stay informed and sign up for updates via the Books Create Australia website
Why it matters
Books don’t just entertain — they educate, inspire, challenge and connect us. They are the foundation of a healthy democracy and a vibrant creative economy. With the upcoming election, now is the time to ensure that decision-makers understand the value of Australia’s book industry and the policies that support it.
Let’s speak up for the stories that shape our nation.