Digital inclusion is a requirement for full participation in our digital society and economy, enabling people to access essential government, education, social and health services. And yet, 1 in 4 Australians are digitally excluded.
Economic modelling shows that investment in digital inclusion programs for highly excluded cohorts would see a benefit of at least half a billion dollars per year.
To close the digital divide and realise these benefits, Good Things’ key recommendations for inclusion in the 2025-26 Federal Budget are:
- Fund digital skills programs for priority groups at greater risk of being left behind.
- Invest in initiatives to ensure all Australians have access to affordable digital devices and data so they can fully participate in the digital world.
- Invest in initiatives to help people keep up with emerging technology, cybersecurity and AI, to support people to keep improving their digital skills and navigate new technologies.
- Fund the creation and implementation of a government-led national digital inclusion strategy so all Australians benefit from a coordinated approach.
Read our full submission