Publications
Launch of Australia’s first National Health Literacy Framework
22 September 2026
By Lachlan Atyeo, Executive Director
On the 1st of September, I had the opportunity to attend the launch of the National Health Literacy Framework at the University of Sydney. Assistant Minister for Health and Aged Care Rebecca White formally launched the framework.
Speakers Anna Flynn, David Follent, Priyanka Rai and Mike Stephens during a panel discussion on implementation priorities. Photo credits: Andy Roberts
This framework is an important piece of work developed by the Sydney Health Literacy Lab and the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing. It is of national significance for governments, policymakers, researchers, service providers, practitioners and, most importantly, consumers. The framework provides a coordinated, whole-of-system approach to improving health literacy in Australia.
It provides a significant opportunity to ensure people can find, understand and use health information to make informed decisions about their health, wellbeing and care.
As a health promotion charity, HCCA is committed to advancing health literacy for all consumers. The national framework strongly aligns with HCCA’s view that improving health literacy requires a system-wide, comprehensive and coordinated approach.
A copy of the National Health Literacy Framework. Photo credits: Andy Roberts
Use of artificial intelligence (AI) and digital health literacy are key areas that already affect and will continue to affect health consumers. Advances in these spaces are transforming how people access and use health information. Education that helps people safely navigate these environments is essential.
These technologies have the potential to improve access to care and health outcomes for people, but they also pose significant risks. For example, the spread of misinformation and disinformation online can lead to harmful outcomes. Furthermore, social media content can often be driven by commercial interests, rather than evidence-based information. Building the population’s skills to navigate this space is vital to ensuring that consumers can safely access information and care they may need. Good health literacy is especially important during public health emergencies to make sure that people understand and respond to situations that are often rapidly changing.
The skillset consumers need to navigate the environment is far greater now than it has been historically. The report card on page 8 of the framework outlines the importance of why a national framework is needed.
The framework also highlights the need for equity, co-design, partnerships, cultural safety and embedding shared decision making into service design, delivery and follow-up care. These are central requirements for a safe and effective health care system, helping clinicians and consumers to work together to achieve the best outcomes.
The National Health Literacy Framework provides a strong foundation to build a coordinated approach that benefits all Australians. However, a sustained and loud national level conversation and broad endorsement of this framework is needed to ensure that we all see the benefits that this could provide.
HCCA Executive Director Lachlan Atyeo at the framework launch. Photo credits: Andy Roberts
Assistant Minister for Health and Aged Care Rebecca White at the framework launch. Photo credits: Andy Roberts