New national research from Monash University, in collaboration with Creative Australia and Australia Reads, delivers a roadmap to help Australians read more often, translating behavioural science into simple, everyday actions.
Last year the Understanding Australian Readers 2025 report found that both readers (54.9 per cent) – those who had read at least one book in the past 12 months – and non-readers (49.8 per cent) reported they read less than they plan to.
Australians want to read more frequently, and we need a bit of help to close the reading gap.
For the first time, behavioural scientists at Monash University’s BehaviourWorks Australia, located within the Monash Business School, have joined forces with Creative Australia and Australia Reads to look at effective strategies to increase reading, and create a social change at a national scale.
Lead researcher Dr Breanna Wright said the findings highlight the importance of strategies that feel personally relevant, prompt reflection and promote easy, low-effort approaches.
“To increase someone’s intention to read in the short term, showing them how reading can easily fit into their lives is the best approach,” Dr Wright said.
“People respond most to clear and concrete steps; how to use library apps; how to discover books that match their interests; how to use pockets of time to meet reading goals.
“Our research shows that strategies work best when people can see themselves in the message, feel confident they can do it, and believe reading can fit into their lives in small, manageable ways.”
Wenona Byrne, Director of Writing Australia, said: “The new report Reaching Australian Readers asks a simple question: what helps Australians read more for pleasure? Developed in partnership with Australia Reads, BehaviourWorks Australia, it tests practical strategies and builds on existing sector knowledge, turning research into real-world action. Our hope is that it supports the sector in practical ways while also inspiring millions of Australians to rediscover the joy of reading for imagination, curiosity and discovery.”
Anna Burkey, CEO of Australia Reads, noted: “Reading makes us healthier, happier and better connected to one another. It’s of critical importance to our society.”
“Behavioural science frameworks give us tried and true mechanisms for improving lives – helping us to reach more communities, and support more Australians to access the benefits of reading.”
Fast facts to get Australians reading
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Make reading feel easy and accessible
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Give people practical “how to” advice to find books they’ll like
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Prompt people to think about how reading fits into their lives
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Help people feel confident about finding and reading books
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Capture attention around the joys and benefits of reading
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Make reading feel personally relevant
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Help reading feel achievable rather than aspirational
Read the full report online here.
Background
Reaching Australian readers (2026) is the follow up report to the Understanding Australian readers report (2025).
Understanding Australian readers uses behavioural science to unpack the drivers and barriers to Australians reading. The report features internationally-adopted insights on the six ‘types’ of readers and the challenges they face on the ‘reading journey’.
BehaviourWorks Australia is the largest university-based applied behaviour change research unit in Australia, based within Monash University. Australia Reads is the national peak body for reading, getting more Australians reading, more often. Writing Australia is part of Creative Australia, the Australian Government’s principal arts investment and advisory body.
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