Paving the road for First Nations digital inclusion

MEDIA RELEASE - Thursday 02 May 2024 - Paving the road for First Nations digital inclusion | Ministers for the Department of Infrastructure

The Hon Michelle Rowland MP Minister for Communications

JOINT RELEASE WITH

The Hon Linda Burney MP Minister for Indigenous Australians

Ms Dot West OAM Co-Chair of the First Nations Digital Advisory Group

Associate Professor Lyndon Ormond-Parker Co-Chair of the First Nations Digital Advisory Group

The Albanese Government’s First Nations Digital Inclusion Advisory Group is seeking feedback on the key considerations that should be included in its long-term roadmap to narrow the digital divide.
 
This roadmap will outline the path forward towards achieving Target 17 in the National Agreement on Closing the Gap, which aims for equal levels of digital inclusion for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people by 2026, and beyond.
 
The Advisory Group has released a discussion paper calling for submissions on both the practical actions needed to improve digital inclusion for First Nations people and communities, as well the broader structural changes needed to ensure First Nations people and communities can get the most out of being online and having access to information and services.
 
Target 17 aims to achieve Outcome 17 which seeks to ensure First Nations Australians have access to information and services enabling participation in informed decision-making regarding their own lives.
 
The Advisory Group have provided a number of key guiding principles for the development of the roadmap, which stakeholders are encouraged to comment on, including:

  • the importance of place-based approaches;

  • moving from Closing the Gap to innovation and excellence;

  • adopting a technology-agnostic approach to long-term solutions; and

  • centring on First Nations consumer preferences.

The roadmap will build upon achievements already made by the Advisory Group including the launch of the First Nations connectivity mapping tool, the announcement of community Wi-Fi for up to 20 remote communities, improving access to the School Student Broadband Initiative in First Nations communities, and engagement with Telstra on prepaid affordability.
 
The roadmap will be developed alongside other work in the communications sector including the Regional Telecommunications Review, the reviews in relation to the modernising of universal telecommunications services and the sustainability review of the community broadcasting sector.  
 
Stakeholders interested in sharing their views on the Advisory Group’s long-term roadmap can do so at: https://www.infrastructure.gov.au/have-your-say/roadmap-first-nations-digital-inclusion.
 
Submissions close on Friday 28 June 2024.
 
Quotes attributable to Minister for Communications, the Hon Michelle Rowland MP:
 
“Access to fast and reliable connectivity is absolutely essential for communicating, working, accessing healthcare and education no matter where you live.
 
“It’s important we identify a clear path to narrowing the digital divide, and the First Nations Digital Inclusion Advisory Group is helping the Government to do just that.
 
“Our Government wants to ensure all Australians can benefit from all that comes from improved connectivity”.
 
Quotes attributable to the Minister for Indigenous Australians, the Hon Linda Burney MP:
 
“So many critical services are accessed via online these days. Which is why it’s imperative that the road map for First Nations Digital Inclusion is practical and effective. 
 
“I believe that, with the help of feedback from a range of stakeholders, we can create a targeted approach to ensure that we’re hitting the mark and not only Closing the Gap for First Nations people, but creating opportunities to thrive in a digital world.”

Quotes attributable to co-chair of the First Nations Digital Advisory Group, Ms Dot West OAM:

“The Advisory Group have created the principles of how we want to shape the roadmap for First Nations digital inclusion and now we need the feedback and advice of stakeholders to ensure we’re addressing priority issues
 
“We want to hear from community members, all levels of government, industry and the NGO sector, so together we can effect change on issues of access, affordability, and digital ability.

Quotes attributable to co-chair of the First Nations Digital Advisory Group, Associate Professor Lyndon Ormond-Parker:

“Our long-term roadmap will help guide the way forward for government, community and industry as we work together to address the digital divide. 
 
“The Advisory Group is interested hearing the views of community members and stakeholders, and we look forward to sharing this feedback publicly later this year when we launch our roadmap”.

Siahn Garvey