In December 2025, Good Things and Alannah & Madeline Foundation welcomed the opportunity to provide input into the Australian Government’s proposed reforms to bring together five programs for children, young people and families. The new approach aims to contribute to two key outcomes: parents and caregivers are empowered to raise healthy, resilient children, and children are supported to grow into healthy, resilient adults.
In today’s digital world, safe and equitable access to technology (digital inclusion and resilience) for all parents, children and families is essential.
In our joint submission to this consultation, Good Things Australia and the Alannah & Madeline Foundation recommended that the proposed new approach should include a strong focus on digital inclusion, including appropriate digital literacy support and affordable access for parents and caregivers, to boost online safety, participation and resilience.
Good Things and the Alannah & Madeline Foundation recommended that:
- Digital inclusion is treated as a core service under the new funding arrangements, is appropriately funded, and is embedded in programs to boost digital literacies, reduce online harms and build resilience. This may include:
- Digital skills education for children, parents, grandparents and carers
- Affordable access to internet connections and devices.
- Capability building of service providers in digital inclusion is supported and funded under the new arrangements. This may include:
- Access to digital mentor training
- Access to ongoing professional development to keep up with tech changes (eg social media bans, AI evolution and usage, tech facilitated abuse, changes to digital government services, data privacy).