A national collaboration led by Good Things Australia, WorkVentures and the Business Council of Australia is bringing business, government and the community sector together to help more Australians access the technology they need.
Access to a laptop, tablet or phone can be life-changing, opening doors to education, employment, essential services and social connection. Yet one in five Australians is digitally excluded, while millions of devices are retired by Australian organisations each year, often well before the end of their useful life.
The Tech Reuse for Good Charter is working to change this by encouraging Australian organisations to redirect quality technology to the people and communities who need it most, while reducing electronic waste.
Good Things Australia, WorkVentures and the Business Council of Australia celebrated the official launch and signing of the Charter at Parliament House in Canberra, with the support of the Australian Government.
Assistant Minister for Science, Technology and the Digital Economy, Dr Andrew Charlton MP, joined representatives from business, government and the community sector to officially launch the Charter and celebrate the commitment of its founding signatories.
The initiative has also received the support of Minister for Communications, the Hon Anika Wells MP, who has endorsed the Charter and its role in helping more Australians access the technology they need.
The Charter is a voluntary, principles-based initiative that brings organisations together to build a coordinated and sustainable approach to technology reuse across Australia. Signatories make a public commitment to help more quality devices reach people experiencing digital exclusion and to measure the social and environmental benefits.
Organisations can contribute in different ways, including donating devices, funding, expertise, refurbishment, logistics, connectivity or software.
Driving lasting change through collaboration
Good Things Australia has been working alongside WorkVentures and the Business Council of Australia to drive this national initiative, bringing together organisations across sectors to make technology reuse a priority.
Good Things Australia CEO Jess Wilson welcomed the Government’s support and the commitment of founding signatories.
“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.”
The Australian Government has recognised the Charter as an important step towards improving digital inclusion, with the Department of Industry, Science and Resources joining as a founding signatory.
Assistant Minister Dr Andrew Charlton said the Charter provides a practical way to improve access to technology.
“Too many Australians are still missing out on opportunities because they do not have access to the technology they need. The Tech Reuse for Good Charter is a practical way to get more devices directly to the people that need them.”
Minister for Communications Anika Wells also highlighted the importance of digital access in everyday life.
“Access to technology and being connected is not a nice to have for people anymore it’s an essential part of everyday life.”
WorkVentures CEO Caroline McDaid said the Charter represents an important shift in how organisations think about surplus technology.
“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.”
Business Council of Australia Chief Executive Bran Black said the Charter would help more Australians participate in the digital economy.
“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.”
Read the Australian Government’s media release: New Tech Reuse Charter to deliver free devices for families and children in need
Making a real difference in people’s lives
Behind the Charter are people and communities who are missing out on opportunities because they don’t have access to the technology they need.
Prillisia Duignan, President of the Support Asian Women’s Friendship Association, understands the importance of access to technology for women learning English and building connections in their communities.
“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.”
Omdie, a recipient of a donated device, says that having her own laptop will help her continue learning English, develop her computer skills and participate more fully in her community.
“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.”
Their experiences highlight why access to technology matters and the opportunities that can open up when people have the devices, connectivity and digital skills support they need.
Join the commitment to Tech Reuse for Good
With founding signatories from across Australian business, government and the not-for-profit sector, the Charter is building momentum towards a national approach to technology reuse that benefits people and the environment.
We’re calling on more organisations to get involved and help turn surplus technology into life-changing opportunities for Australians experiencing digital exclusion.
Find out more about the Tech Reuse for Good Charter and how your organisation can become a signatory at www.techreusecharter.org.au