I address a pressing issue concerning education in this State and across Australia: the alarming decline in language studies. The decline is a symptom of a broader problem rooted in our education system—in particular, the structure of the ATAR system. ATARs are designed to streamline university admissions, and this has inadvertently created disincentives for students to study another language. Studying another language is perceived to be more difficult and far less rewarding in terms of an ATAR.

The decline we are seeing is specifically concerning when considering the great benefits of being bi- or multilingual. Research in bilingualism has consistently highlighted cognitive, social and economic advantages. Studies from Harvard and the American Psychological Association have shown that people who know more than one language have enhanced brain functionality and better cognitive control, even delaying the onset of Alzheimer's and other dementia-related diseases by several years. The ability to switch languages also fosters empathy and cultural awareness, enabling better understanding of a diverse perspective more easily—an invaluable skill in a multicultural society and ever-increasingly globalised world.

Economically, knowing more than one language can provide more and better career opportunities, with studies showing 5 per cent to 20 per cent higher salaries for people who speak more than one language. Other research suggests that increasing language acquisition and investing in linguistic diversity boosts economic outcomes for the nation. In parts of Canada, learning French is mandatory. That policy has preserved the country's linguistic heritage and has produced a population proficient in multiple languages, which enhances both national unity and international competitiveness in the workforce. The education systems of Luxembourg and the Netherlands mandate multiple languages, which increases academic performance and economic opportunities globally. Australia's current education policies do not reap those benefits. Multilingual education is vital for Australia's reputation in the international community, extending beyond education.

Addressing those issues requires a multifaceted approach. Firstly, we must reform ATAR scaling by ensuring greater weight is given to language studies, which will make those subjects more appealing to students. Enthusiastic students who are eager to learn a second language should not be disincentivised from doing so for the sole reason that it may negatively impact their ATAR. Next, we need to enhance teacher training by investing in comprehensive programs specifically designed for language educators. That will ensure that teachers are well equipped to provide high-quality language classes. Promoting the benefits of bilingualism is also essential. Awareness campaigns that highlight the personal, cultural and economic advantages of language learning will educate the public on the advantages of multilingualism.

Additionally, encouraging schools to facilitate more cultural exchange programs will provide students with greater language learning experiences. Many schools already take part in sister school programs that greatly enhance cultural and language collaboration. For example, Thomas Hassall Anglican College in my electorate has long collaborated with Japanese schools to improve learning experiences for students and foster a cultural connection between schools. Sadly, a long-running school exchange program between Liverpool City Council and Toda in Japan has been defunded by the council—perhaps to cover their mounting legal bills. That is a short‑sighted decision, given the new Western Sydney airport lies within the Liverpool local government area, and multiple memoranda of understanding have been signed with Japanese corporations at the airport and aerotropolis.

One of the greatest selling points of the airport is our local population. No matter where a tourist, investor or business comes from, I can guarantee that someone in Western Sydney speaks their language and understands their culture. But there is a big difference between proficient in colloquial language or a regional dialect and being able to speak a language in a formal or business context. That is why investing in language education is important. The importance of a multilingual Australia was also reaffirmed in the Federal Government's recently released Multicultural Framework Review report, which states:

There have been sporadic efforts to more fully realise the benefits of the many languages spoken in Australia, but a strategic, coordinated and sustained effort to promote and preserve linguistic diversity has been lacking. This has led to lost opportunities in fostering inclusion, inter-communal understanding and leveraging language skills for social and economic benefits. Becoming a community with a greater appreciation of, and respect for, the family of languages spoken in Australia, and the world views they convey, will lead to a more vibrant and inclusive shared identity.