Moves towards common national goals in education have drawn states and territories together to discuss and make decisions about language related issues and to share resources. Languages and language learning are increasingly featured on the political, social and economic agendas in Australiatoday. Nevertheless it is not yet true to say that as a nation we prize mastery in languages. The Conference aims to further recent developments in language learning and to reinforce the current momentum of support for languages in education, government, business and the general community.
Language learning enhances the quality of cultural and intellectual life in general.
Australia's trading efforts depend on the availability of highly skilled language speakers. Australia needs to place greater emphasis on development of quality language courses and training of interpreters and translators. As a result vocational opportunities for Australians will increase. The learning of languges enables Australians to participate fully in regional and world affairs. It is to Australia's advantage that personnel placed in other countries speak the language of the local group.