In 2001-2002, the Adult Literacy and Numeracy Australian Research Consortium conducted 26 national investigations with findings in the following areas: (1) population competence; (2) linking literacy and numeracy into training; (3) professional support for educators and trainers; and (4) policy and systemic issues. All the projects were intended to integrate new research with an analysis of past provision and practice and thereby provide a body of evidence for future policy development in the adult literacy and numeracy field. The following were among the conclusions that emerged from the projects: (1) addressing the challenges facing Australia's adult literacy and numeracy sector requires a whole-of-government approach that is consistent with parallel innovations in other areas of social policy; (2) the vocational education and training sector provides a number of models of integrated policy responses to complex relationships that can guide formation of a policy regarding literacy and numeracy; (3) adopting a lifelong learning approach must take seriously the political and social exigencies of lives across their span while also giving consideration to the concerns of employers and business; and (4) efforts to develop policy regarding literacy and numeracy must be informed by the knowledge and cultures of diverse groups. (An 8-item reference list and 28-item bibliography are included.) (MN)