The Albanese Government is continuing its work to improve connectivity and narrow the digital divide for First Nations Australians, with free community Wi-Fi connectivity being rolled out in up to 53 remote communities across the country.
The Government’s $20 million First Nations Community Wi-Fi program will support better access to essential services like healthcare, education and training opportunities; promote greater cultural and community connection; and enable more equitable participation for First Nations people in digital life.
It includes more than $7.2 million to fund community Wi-Fi in 10 remote communities in Western Australia:
- Djugerari, Wangkatjungka, Looma, Pandanus Park, Yakanarra, Yungngora, Beagle Bay and Halls Creek in the Kimberley region
- Pia Wadjarri in the Mid-West region; and
- Warburton in the Ngaanyatjarra Lands.
The Western Australian Government will further boost connectivity in 9 of these communities by co-investing an additional $9.1 million. This will go towards the community Wi-Fi and extend connectivity in up to 750 premises through VoIP phones and broadband access. Additionally, the Shire of Halls Creek Council is contributing $25,000 to the Halls Creek community Wi-Fi project.
The Albanese Government is providing a further $1.54 million to roll out community Wi-Fi to the Cape Barren Island community and Clarke Island community in Tasmania, and the community of Umoona near Coober Pedy in South Australia.
Further places in the Northern Territory and Queensland will be announced.
The program builds on the success of the existing NBN Community Wi-Fi Program which has already delivered free community Wi-Fi to 23 remote communities in Western Australia, South Australia, Queensland and the Northern Territory.
These initiatives are part of the 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.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Communications, Anika Wells:
“We are working hard to boost digital inclusion for First Nations Australians as part of our ongoing work to Close the Gap.
“All Australians should be able to stay in touch with their family, access essential services and pursue education and training opportunities and this new program will help achieve that for some of our most remote First Nations communities.
“I look forward to seeing this $20 million program continuing to roll out to communities across Australia, bringing us another step closer to narrowing the digital divide in line with target 17 of Closing the Gap.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Indigenous Australians, Malarndirri McCarthy:
“Access to reliable internet services makes a real difference for remote First Nations communities. It helps people stay connected, access vital information and essential services.
“This $20 million program will go a long way in narrowing the digital divide and supporting fuller participation in digital life.
“I’m proud to work in partnership with the WA Government and local communities to make these Wi-Fi services reliable, sustainable, and fit for purpose.”
Quotes attributable to Western Australian Minister for Regional Development, Stephen Dawson:
“The Cook Government is proud to invest in expanding digital access for our First Nations communities. This initiative is an important step towards bridging the digital gap in our regional and remote areas.
“Through working closely with the Australian Government, this initiative will work to deliver lasting benefits for families and local businesses across our state along with new opportunities for education, health and economic development.”