Study: Australia’s literature curriculum still reflects colonial influences

Australia’s literature curriculum still reflects colonial influences, with a strong emphasis on white, male, and Western voices.

The Melbourne University study of the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) Literature texts highlights a lack of diversity, both in authors and characters.

As Australian classrooms become more diverse, I speak with Dr Hugh Gundlach from the University of Melbourne about the need for a more inclusive and representative literary curriculum.

Image: Image from Shutterstock

Produced By: Moemina Shukur

Featured In Story: Dr Hugh Gundlach – Education Department from University of Melbourne

First aired on The Wire, Tuesday 25 March 2025