The Albanese Government is investing $11.6 million to deliver free community Wi-Fi to remote First Nations communities in the Northern Territory.
Reliable connectivity supports better access to essential services like healthcare, education and training opportunities; promotes greater cultural and community connection; and enables more equitable participation for First Nations people in digital life.
Under the Government’s $20 million First Nations Community Wi-Fi program, 37 remote communities in the Barkley, Big Rivers, Central Australia, Top End and East Arnhem regions will have access to free Wi-Fi.
The Northern Territory Government will co-invest $216,866 to support the delivery of free community Wi-Fi in 31 of these communities.
Communities across Western Australia, South Australia and Tasmania, will also benefit from the program, with further places in Queensland to be announced.
This builds on the success of the existing NBN Community Wi-Fi Program, which has already delivered free community Wi-Fi to 23 remote communities, across Western Australia, South Australia, Queensland and the Northern Territory.
These initiatives are part of the Albanese Government’s $68 million package to support First Nations digital inclusion and advance our work towards Target 17 of the National Agreement on Closing the Gap.
More information about the First Nations Community Wi-Fi program, including a list of funded projects, here.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Communications, Anika Wells:
“We are working hard to deliver digital equity for First Nations Australians as part of our ongoing work to Close the Gap.
“Free Wi-Fi for some of the Northern Territory’s most remote communities will mean people can more easily connect with family, see a doctor online, study, train and access services.
“The $20 million First Nations Community Wi-Fi program is central to reducing the digital divide and achieving progress towards Target 17 of Closing of Gap.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Indigenous Australians, Malarndirri McCarthy:
“Free and reliable Wi-Fi is a game changer for First Nations people living in remote communities, helping them stay connected to family and access essential services.
“Expanding free community Wi-Fi means better access to healthcare, education and training for communities across Central Australia, the Top End, East Arnhem, Barkly and Big Rivers regions.
“This investment will help narrow the digital divide by ensuring more First Nations communities will have access to internet where it has often been limited.”
Quotes attributable to Member for Lingiari, Marion Scrymgour MP:
“The old bush telegraph doesn’t cut it anymore, remote communities need fast internet to keep in touch with family and to stay updated with news relevant to their area.
“The Albanese Labor Government backs the bush and I welcome this investment in connecting remote Territorians.
“Bringing communities up to speed with the digital age is how we can prepare them for the future.”
Quotes attributable to Northern Territory Minister for Corporate and Digital Development, Joshua Burgoyne:
“The Northern Territory is a vast and unique region with many remote communities spread across large distances, creating challenges for digital connectivity.
“Access to free Wi-Fi will provide these communities with access to important online services and help reduce isolation by keeping people connected.
“By working in partnership with the Federal Government to deliver free Wi-Fi to these remote communities, we’re helping ensure people are not left isolated or disadvantaged simply due to their location.”