About Adult Learning Australia

• We advocate at the national level for greater attention to adult learning research outcomes, both in policy and funding terms.
• We advise all levels of government, particularly at a national level through our relationship to the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR).
• We conduct, and disseminate the results of research of relevance to policy debates and to practitioners.
• We foster innovative learning methodologies such as learning circles.
• We develop and publish adult learning resources.
• We convene a national conference in a different Australian location each year.
• We unite adult educators, trainers, tutors, learners and organisations from different sectors and locations.
• We coordinate Adult Learners' Week, a national promotion and celebration of adult learning. See http://www.adultlearnersweek.org
• We are presently building partnerships with business to encourage recognition of all forms of learning through the Learn @ Work Day initiative.
• We celebrate achievements in adult learning with the Australian Annual Awards
• We keep members and others informed through:

• We support the development of Learning Communities across Australia through our Learning Communities website the Catalyst, see more below.
• We present an Australia voice at international forums, including through our membership of the AAACE in the United States, NIACE in the UK, the International Council of Adult Education and Asia South Pacific Bureau of Adult Education (ASPBAE).
• We manage a national Adult Learning Research Directory.

• Always strive to ensure the best quality outcomes for all those who choose to engage with and do business with ALA.
• Be a lead agency in identifying and promoting good ACE research to advance adult learning pathways and opportunities.
• Serve as a national voice for ACE adult learners generally and more specifically disadvantaged and equity groups.
• In our role as the peak body for adult learning, provide strong links to the field of practice.
• Seek to be a catalyst for encouraging supporting and nurturing learning alliances with all sector
• Work collaboratively with other organizations sharing a similar vision, values and outcomes.

• Receive regular national information flows from the adult learning field
• Have a channel through which to voice governments views at both the state and national level
• Enhance governments representation of adult learning at all levels of Australian society
• Monitor a cross section of government and industry views on national learning issues
• Initiate national research on emerging international trends to inform government
• Network nationally on operational and policy development matters of concern/interest across a range of federal government departments with a learning agenda
• Support local government networks to build learning communities.
• To expand ALA's the research capacity, the organisation draws upon a diverse range of adult learning and community development expertise through its Visiting Research Fellow Program.

Over recent times ALA has streamlined the staffing and processes of the National Office to maximize the value to government of its operational expenditure. Further operational streamlining is planned for 2006.