Moving forward on First Nations digital inclusion
Source: Moving forward on First Nations digital inclusion
The Albanese Government welcomes the First Nations Digital Inclusion Roadmap to address key barriers to digital inclusion.
The roadmap is the culmination of nearly two years of work by the First Nations Digital Inclusion Advisory Group (FNDIAG), established in January 2023.
Led by co-chairs Dot West OAM and Dr Lyndon Ormond-Parker, the Advisory Group is providing advice on progressing Target 17 of the National Agreement on Closing the Gap: to achieve equal levels of digital inclusion for First Nations people by 2026.
The roadmap has been informed by extensive engagement with First Nations people and communities, including in remote areas.
In addition to supporting Target 17, the recommendations from the roadmap support First Nations digital innovation and excellence.
The roadmap highlights the considerable benefits of digital inclusion, including access to services and information, social connection and economic opportunity.
The Albanese Government is delivering on key recommendations of the Advisory Group’s initial report to Government, by committing $68 million to First Nations digital inclusion programs.
This includes the free community Wi-Fi initiative for remote communities, a First Nations Digital Support Hub, and network of digital mentors.
It also includes additional funding to RMIT University to improve national data collection on First Nations digital inclusion to better track progress, and target future initiatives, as part of the Australian Digital Inclusion Index.
The Government will consider the recommendations of the roadmap and continue to work closely with the FNDIAG to improve digital inclusion in the areas of access, affordability and digital ability.
