The Business Council of Australia (BCA), Good Things Australia and WorkVentures are calling on organisations across
the country to sign the Tech Reuse for Good Charter and put surplus devices to work for people who need them.
CANBERRA, 27 October 2026: The BCA, Good Things Australia and WorkVentures today welcomed the Australian Government’s support for the Charter, formally welcoming and thanking Assistant Minister for Science, Technology and the Digital Economy Dr Andrew Charlton and Minister for Communications Anika Wells for joining the launch at Parliament House and championing the initiative.
The Charter is a shared commitment by Australian organisations to build a coordinated, sustainable tech reuse ecosystem. One in five Australians is digitally excluded, while millions of laptops, tablets and phones are retired each year. Signing the Charter is a public commitment to redirect quality technology to the people and communities who need it most, and to measure the social and environmental benefits.
The Government endorsed the Charter in June, and its presence at the launch signals to corporate Australia that tech reuse is a national priority. Organisations do not need to donate devices to sign: they can contribute devices, funding, expertise, refurbishment, logistics, connectivity or software, and estimates are welcome while plans take shape.
Quotes attributable to:
Caroline McDaid, CEO, WorkVentures
“We welcome the Government’s backing of the Charter, and we thank Assistant Minister Charlton and Minister Wells for championing it today. As a founding partner, we see the Tech Reuse for Good Charter as a shift in how Australian businesses treat technology they no longer need: not as waste, but as an asset that can change someone’s life.”
“WorkVentures has a long history of repurposing corporate technology into communities missing out, with every device securely erased through industry-accredited processes, so donors can give with confidence. Today we’re inviting every organisation that refreshes its devices to sign up to the Charter.”
Bran Black, Chief Executive, Business Council of Australia
“The digital economy is shaping how all of us work, learn and access services. But with one in five Australians
experiencing digital exclusion, for many, the first hurdle is simply owning a phone or laptop. The Charter is about getting a working device into their hands so they can take part.”
“Businesses upgrade their laptops and phones all the time, and plenty of what gets replaced still works. The Charter makes it simple to pass those devices on to people who don’t have one, instead of letting them go to waste.”
“With the Charter now launched, any organisation can sign on and we’d like to see as many businesses as possible do it. Every organisation that does helps us reach more students, jobseekers and others who need a device.”
Jess Wilson, CEO, Good Things Australia
“Government leadership sends a clear signal that closing the digital divide is a national priority. Access to a device can be life-changing – opening doors to services, jobs and connection. Yet, one in five Australians are digitally excluded, including older Australians, First Nations people, people with disability and families struggling to afford technology.”
“Together with our partners, Good Things is driving the Tech Reuse for Good Charter to create lasting, systemic change in how Australia reuses technology. The more organisations that commit to the Charter, the greater our collective impact in getting devices into the hands of people who need them, giving everyone the opportunity to participate fully in our digital world.”
Community Organisations and Device Recipient
“I started the Support Asian Women’s Friendship Association to connect women of all cultures to their community. In our computer and English classes, I see how much a laptop changes things. Having a device gives women independence, a better chance of finding work and a way to keep improving their English. Access to devices is incredibly important, and I’m grateful to everyone who is helping to make it possible,” said Prillisia Duignan, President of the Support Asian Women’s Friendship Association.
“At the moment I am learning English at library, but if I want to use a computer and I need to go to the library or in my computer classes. At home, I could only do my homework on my phone. A laptop would help me learn faster and take part more in my community. I volunteer at Vinnies and I want to do more there, like working at the counter, to practice my English and computer skill. A laptop would give me more freedom and independence,” said Omdie, 59, device recipient.
Organisations interested in becoming a signatory can express interest at www.techreusecharter.org.au.
Media contacts: Irene Oh, 0430 026 502, Business Council of Australia & Alicia Ballesty, 0419 045 240,
WorkVentures & Good Things Australia