7. Literacy: The “Whole Language” vs. Phonics Debate is not new! Writing the wrongs of literacy in Australia “ LITERACY is a right to which every Australian child is entitled, so it’s pertinent to consider on International Literacy Day (September 8) why some Australian students are still failing to achieve a minimum standard of literacy.” PerthNow September 08, 2011 South Australian teens lost in literacy black hole “ THEIR literacy standards have fallen so significantly compared with students a decade ago it is the equivalent of a whole year of school, a damning new report shows.” EducationNow, December, 2010 Education system flawed, ACCI boss says “ The Industry Skills Councils has released a report, No More Excuses, which shows almost half of Australia's working age population does not have the literacy or numeracy skills required to study a trade.” AAP April 04, 2011