Australia needs to perform better in developing and applying the knowledge and skills of our people if we are to maintain economic growth and prosperity.

We must also provide opportunities for every young Australian to gain the skills they will need for a successful and rewarding career.

The task force focuses on reform in four areas.

Our plan for effective learning by students emphasises the importance of quality teaching, leadership within schools, more autonomy for school leaders, measuring learning outcomes and a national curriculum.

We promote ongoing reform of the skills and workforce development system aimed at making sure that training is of a high quality and the skills learned are relevant to the current and emerging needs of business.

In higher education, we emphasise the need for graduate quality through better teaching and learning, more relevant content, the development of future leaders and continuous improvement in educational institutions.

We aim to encourage private sector innovation in Australia by calling for the best possible innovation environment including through effective collaboration between business and public research organisations.

We also emphasise the importance of wider reforms to innovation, including reform of taxation, regulation and workplace relations and the education and training system.