Chapter 6: Building capabilities

Chapter 2

Key points

Australia’s future prosperity will be built on our strengths and capabilities.

Improving the capabilities of all Australians will raise our productivity performance and enable all Australians to participate and contribute in the Asian century.

Australians need to build ‘Asia-relevant’ capabilities—both broad-based and specialised.

Our skills and education systems play a fundamental role in ensuring that all Australians can develop the right capabilities.

We are improving the quality and accessibility of our skills and education systems, from early childhood through schools to tertiary education, to be among the world’s best.

This requires a long-term effort by all governments, in partnership with business and communities.

Businesses, the public sector and national institution need to ensure they have the right mix of capabilities to seize the opportunities and make the most of Asia’s rise.

We will work with our sectors and regions to help them adjust to change, take advantage of new opportunities and promote sustainable growth.

Australia’s strong social foundations are the basis for our success in the Asian century, and we will continue to strengthen them.