For millions of Australians, having a device means being able to apply for jobs, continue learning, access healthcare, connect with family and community, and participate fully in modern life.
Yet too many people are still missing out.
Access to a device can change everything.
Around one in five Australians remain digitally excluded, and for many, not having access to a reliable device is one of the biggest barriers they face.
That’s why it was so encouraging to see leaders from government, business and the community sector come together at the Tech Reuse for Good Charter Roundtable to explore how technology reuse can help close Australia’s digital divide, with Assistant Minister for Science, Technology and the Digital Economy, The Hon Dr Andrew Charlton MP, joining the discussion.
The roundtable marked an important step in the development of the Tech Reuse for Good Charter, a partnership between the Australian Government, the Business Council of Australia, Good Things Australia and WorkVentures that aims to unlock more devices for people who need them most.
The development of this Charter is boosted by an exciting $2.9 million commitment by Telstra Foundation to support the National Device Bank, powering it to help more people in need.
“For people experiencing digital exclusion, access to a device can open doors to education, employment, essential services and connection. We’re proud to be working alongside government, business and community partners to develop the Tech Reuse for Good Charter and the National Device Bank to help unlock more devices for Australians who need them most,” says Jess Wilson, CEO Good Things Australia.
Turning technology into opportunity
The Charter is built on a simple but powerful idea: technology that is no longer needed by one organisation can create opportunity for someone else.
At Good Things Australia, we know digital inclusion requires more than connectivity alone. People need access to affordable devices, affordable data and the skills and confidence to use technology in ways that improve their lives.
The Tech Reuse for Good Charter is a practical step towards addressing one of those barriers by helping unlock technology that is already available and directing it towards people and communities who need it most.
Working together for greater impact
The roundtable brought together leaders from across government, business, philanthropy, education and the community sector, reflecting growing recognition that closing the digital divide requires collaboration.
Good Things Australia has long advocated for a coordinated approach to digital inclusion, one that brings together government, industry and community organisations around practical solutions.
The Charter reflects that approach. It creates a shared commitment to technology reuse and helps make it easier for organisations to contribute devices that can create meaningful social impact.
Building on strong foundations: The National Device Bank
The Charter also builds on work already underway across the sector, including the National Device Bank, established by Good Things Australia and WorkVentures to connect donated devices with people experiencing digital exclusion through trusted community organisations.
“Telstra Foundation’s catalytic support of the National Device Bank strengthens the Tech Reuse for Good Charter’s ambition to scale for-purpose device donations and enhance digital inclusion across Australia,” says Caroline McDaid, CEO WorkVentures
For people who receive a device, the impact can be immediate and deeply personal. It can mean being able to apply for a job, continue study, access essential services, support their children’s learning, or feel more connected to the world around them.
Momentum for change
One of the strongest messages to emerge from the roundtable was the value of partnership.
The development of the Tech Reuse for Good Charter and funding commitment from Telstra Foundation demonstrates what is possible when government, business and the community sector work together around a shared goal.
We’re proud to be working alongside the Australian Government, the Business Council of Australia, Telstra Foundation and WorkVentures to advance this important initiative and help ensure more Australians have the tools they need to learn, work, connect and thrive.
More information
We will provide updates as the development of the Charter progresses.
If you are interested in donating or accessing devices express your interest on the National Device Bank website.