The proposal would provide $3.8 million over 4 years to establish the ‘Ready to Read’ program, an initiative to support early childhood literacy and ensure children have the best start to their education.

Once fully implemented, the program would be expected to benefit 12,500 children under 5 years of age in targeted areas by providing one book per month to support early literacy development. The program is licensed to United Way Australia who will recommend roll-out areas in consultation with the Department of Education, focusing on communities experiencing disadvantage and where local libraries can be active partners.

The proposal funding profile would be $0.6 million in each of 2025-26 and 2026-27, $1 million in 2027-28, and $1.6 million in 2028-29.

The proposal would be non-ongoing and start from 1 July 2025.