The ‘digital divide’ is the gap between those who do and do not have the essential digital skills and affordable access to devices and data they need.
1 in 4 Australians are impacted by the digital divide. As Australia rapidly digitises, many are at risk of being left behind and unable to fully participate in today’s society across work, study, accessing essential services and connecting with the people they love.
As Australia becomes a world-leading digital nation, we must ensure no one is left behind and work together to close the digital divide for good.
To close Australia’s digital divide, we must focus on three digital inclusion priorities.
1. Community-led digital skills support for everyone
- Fund and expand nationally coordinated, community-led digital skills support
programs. - Fund and support targeted digital skills programs for those most at risk of digital exclusion.
- Embed digital skills support into existing government programs for vulnerable Australians.
2. Creation of a national digital inclusion strategy
- Create and implement a government-led national digital inclusion strategy so all Australians benefit from a coordinated approach, regardless of where they live.
- Fund the national Indigenous Digital Inclusion Plan to be led and implemented by First Nations peoples and organisations.
3. Affordable access to digital devices and data for all
- Support low or no-cost internet connections and data initiatives for those at greatest risk of digital exclusion.
- Fund digital devices and loan initiatives within community-led digital inclusion programs.
To close Australia’s digital divide for all, greater investment and collaboration across government, industry, philanthropy and the community sectors is essential.
Download our Blueprint to close Australia’s digital divide
Good Things Australia released our Blueprint to close the digital divide in 2022.