The Australian Government, working with Good Things Australia, WorkVentures and the Business Council of Australia has announced the development of a Technology Reuse for Good Charter – a welcome and important step towards a more digitally inclusive Australia.
At Good Things Australia, we have long advocated for a coordinated, national approach to digital inclusion, one that recognises that access, affordability and skills must work together if everyone is to participate fully in our digital world.
For too many people, that is not yet the case.
With one in five Australians digitally excluded there are millions of people who are missing out on opportunities to work, learn, access services and stay connected.
We know that digital exclusion affects people across the community including those on low incomes, older Australians, people with disability and those in regional and remote communities.
And we know that access to a device is often one of the most immediate barriers.
From advocacy to action
This is why Good Things Australia and WorkVentures established the National Device Bank, to address a simple but critical gap.
Too many people cannot afford a device, while thousands of quality devices are sitting unused. By bringing together government, business and the community sector, we created a practical way to securely refurbish and redistribute devices to people who need them most.
It is a model grounded in community need, and informed by international best practice, where large scale technology reuse initiatives have demonstrated what is possible when sectors work together.
The Technology Reuse for Good Charter builds on this foundation.
A shared national commitment
A joint initiative between Government, the Business Council of Australia, Good Things Australia and WorkVentures, the Charter is a commitment to repurpose unused devices and get them to people who need them most. It will provide a pathway for organisations to contribute to digital inclusion in a way that is practical, secure and measurable.
It recognises that the technology that organisations no longer need can become essential infrastructure for someone else.
This is not just about extending the life of devices, although the environmental benefits are significant. It is about extending opportunity.
Access to a device can be the difference between participating and missing out. It enables people to apply for jobs, engage in education, access healthcare and connect with their communities.
Importantly, the Charter reflects what we have consistently called for through our advocacy, including our Pre-budget Submission and our Blueprint to Close Australia’s Digital Divide, calling for a coordinated effort across government, industry and the community sector.
The opportunity ahead
Closing the digital divide requires sustained investment and collaboration. It requires a focus on affordability and access, alongside ongoing support to build digital skills and confidence.
The Technology Reuse for Good Charter is not the whole solution, but it is a step in the right direction.
It will show what can be achieved when organisations are supported to act, and when national leadership brings sectors together around a shared goal.
Most importantly, it has the potential to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives.
Because digital inclusion is not about technology alone. It is about ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to participate, contribute and thrive in an increasingly digital Australia.
Further information
We will provide updates as the development of the Charter progresses. In the meantime if you are interested in donating or accessing devices express your interest on the National Device Bank website.