The Albanese government has launched the National Media Literacy Strategy to help Australians navigate a rapidly changing digital media environment and improve resilience against misinformation online.
The strategy aims to support evidence-based initiatives that strengthen Australians’ ability to critically evaluate news and media content in an increasingly complex information landscape.
Media literacy—the ability to assess information critically and identify false or misleading content—is being positioned as an essential skill for Australians in the digital age.
A new media literacy strategy
The National Media Literacy Strategy has been introduced as an Australian-first initiative focused on strengthening digital literacy and online safety.
It will explore evidence-based approaches to help Australians better understand how media content is created, distributed, and consumed across digital platforms.
Strengthen critical thinking in digital media use
The strategy is designed to help Australians develop the skills needed to engage more critically with digital content, including emerging forms of AI-generated information.
It also aims to improve the ability of individuals to identify trustworthy sources and navigate increasingly complex online environments.
Whereto Research and University of Melbourne to lead development
Following a competitive tender process, Whereto Research has been engaged in developing the strategy in consultation with academic, industry, and community stakeholders.
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Whereto Research is partnering with the University of Melbourne to deliver the initiative, which will include consultation across sectors and consideration of emerging digital risks.
AI-generated content and vulnerable groups
The strategy will examine the impact of artificial intelligence on the information landscape, including the growing prevalence of AI-generated content.
It will also consider the needs of vulnerable groups who may be more exposed to misinformation or less equipped to critically evaluate digital media.
Minister for Communications Anika Wells said it is increasingly important for Australians to engage critically with what they see online.
She said the strategy will help identify the skills and tools Australians need to navigate today’s digital environment and assess the credibility of information sources.
Multimillion-dollar investment in news and media sector
The National Media Literacy Strategy forms part of the Albanese government’s $153.5 million News Media Assistance Program, which supports a strong and diverse media sector as a key pillar of a healthy democracy.
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