The Albanese Government’s First Nations Digital Inclusion Plan released today outlines for the first time clear priorities to close the digital gap for First Nations Australians.
The Plan provides a framework for delivering Target 17 of Closing the Gap – the elimination of digital inequality for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians – by identifying priority actions for Government, community and industry to deliver reliable and affordable telecommunications services and appropriate consumer training.
The Plan also commits to a series of First Nations-led Digital Inclusions Forums around the country to embed First Nations perspectives in policy responses and advise on the progress to narrow the digital divide.
Digital inclusion is increasingly fundamental to economic and social inclusion. The Plan provides an holistic approach to First Nations digital inclusion across three key dimensions of digital inclusion: access, affordability and ability.
The National Indigenous Australians Agency led development of the Plan, in partnership with First Nations organisations and businesses, industry, and Commonwealth and State Government agencies.
It is the culmination of two years of extensive consultation, including through 6 virtual roundtables with over 100 participants, 11 targeted one-on-one stakeholder meetings and 37 submissions to the consultation paper.
The Plan will inform the work of the Government’s First Nations Digital Inclusion Advisory Group, which was funded through the October 2022-23 Budget. The Group is expected to deliver its initial report to the Government shortly.
The Plan will help maximise the significant investments made by the Albanese Government to narrow the digital divide, including through the Better Connectivity Plan for Regional and Rural Australia.
The latest combined round of the Regional Connectivity Program and Mobile Black Spot Program allocates $32.5 million in targeted funding to deliver telecommunications and connectivity solutions – like new infrastructure or mobile coverage – in First Nations communities.
To read the Plan, visit: www.niaa.gov.au/indigenous-affairs/economic-development/first-nations-digital-inclusion-plan
Quotes attributable to Minister for Indigenous Australians, the Hon Linda Burney MP:
“This world-leading Plan for an inclusive digital future presents life-changing opportunities for First Nations communities.
“Digital inclusion means all Australians, including First Nations people, have access and use digital technologies effectively to improve their everyday lives.
“In a world where the technology landscape is rapidly changing to provide greater opportunities to connect with each other, the economy and so much more, I’m so pleased that this Government is committed to ensure our First Nations people aren’t left behind.
“Strengthening digital inclusion for First Nations people, especially if they live in regional or remote Australia, provides significant opportunities for increased connections to community, country and cultural identity.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Communications, the Hon Michelle Rowland MP:
“It doesn’t matter where you live – all Australians deserve access to affordable and reliable connectivity and the knowledge and skills which enable that connectivity to be used to the fullest.
“This is particularly critical for people living in rural and regional communities, where the tyranny of distance has the greatest impact.
“The First Nations Digital Inclusion Plan aims to address the barriers to digital inclusion for First Nations people, particularly those living in regional and remote communities.
“The Albanese Government’s First Nations Digital Inclusion Advisory Group provides an important mechanism through which we can better work together with industry and communities to close the digital inclusion gap, and this Plan will help inform that work.
“Our investment in projects that directly benefit First Nations communities through the Better Connectivity Plan will ensure that no one is left behind and that we continue to support all Australians living in an increasingly digital and connected society.”