the national agreement for skills and workforce development commits commonwealth and state and territory governments to addressing access and social inclusion issues through collaborative action in skills the national foundation skills strategy for adults aims to help working age australians increase their english language literacy and numeracy skills for improved economic and social participation the higher education participation and partnerships program provides additional funding to help universities attract support and retain students from disadvantaged backgrounds these students may receive financial support through income support grants for eligible students and income contingent loans available to all students expenditure on education institutions at all levels is of gdp slightly below the oecd average of see figure