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Media Centre$28.9 MILLION FOR INCREASED LANGUAGE AND LITERACY TRAINING10 May 2005 MINBUD 14/05 To assist job seekers who face language, literacy or numeracy barriers to employment the Australian Government will provide a funding boost of $28.9 million over the next four years to the Language, Literacy and Numeracy Programme. This will bring the total funding for the programme over the next four years to an unprecedented $221.5 million, an increase 15 per cent in total funding. Under this increased funding, $8.2 million has been provided for an additional 2,900 places as part of the Government’s Welfare to Work initiative. The training provided will increase the English language or literacy and numeracy competency of those moving from welfare to work. This funding includes $20.7 million to purchase an additional 7,300 English language places over the period 2005-06 to 2008-09 in areas of high migrant settlement. These places will improve the pathway between the Adult Migrant English Programme (which provides functional English skills) and the Language, Literacy and Numeracy Programme. The Language, Literacy and Numeracy Programme has already demonstrated successes in improving language, literacy and numeracy skills. The programme plays a central role in supporting key Australian Government policies such as the Australians Working Together initiative and Australia’s migration programme. A recent review found that more than 85 per cent of clients were satisfied with the quality of assistance and services provided under the Programme. The Language, Literacy and Numeracy Programme commenced in 2002 and assists clients who need to overcome poor language, literacy and numeracy skills in order to win and keep a job, or undertake study and training. Today’s announcement brings the total funding available for the Language, Literacy and Numeracy Programme in 2005-06 to a record $49.7 million, which will purchase 20,450 training places. Further information on the Language, Literacy and Numeracy Programme can be found at https://llnp.dest.gov.au Media Contacts:
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