The federal government has established the First Nations Digital Inclusion Advisory Group to accelerate progress towards closing the digital inclusion gap for First Nations Australians.
“Boosting digital inclusion is a key focus of the Albanese Government – especially when it comes to supporting greater connectivity for First Nations Australians,” Minister for Communications Michelle Rowland said.
“In an increasingly digital world, digital inclusion is more than just a nice to have, it’s a necessity.”
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Convening for the first time in Adelaide, the Advisory Group will work closely with First Nations people to provide advice to government and identify practical measures to support progress towards Target 17 of the National Agreement on Closing the Gap, which commits to digital inclusion for First Nations people by 2026.
Aside from this, the Advisory Group will also ensure ensure a comprehensive focus across telecommunications, broadcasting and media, and will consider all three aspects of digital inclusion: access, affordability and ability.
“The creation of the First Nations Digital Inclusion Advisory Group recognises that more needs to be done to ensure all Australians can take advantage of the benefits of the digital world,” Minister Rowland said.
“The Group will provide practical advice to Government on how to address significant barriers to digital inclusion for Frist Nations Australians, particularly in remote areas.”
Achieving equal levels of digital inclusion is critical for First Nations Australians to receive economic and social opportunities such as employment, social connectedness, and to access online services such as financial services, telehealth and education.
The First Nations Digital Inclusion Advisory Group will be chaired by Ms Dorothy West OAM. Other Advisory Group members are Dr Lyndon Ormond-Parker, Professor Bronwyn Carlson, Ms Talei Elu and Ms Naomi Moran.
“The collective experience and expertise of Advisory Group members gives us a great opportunity to deliver real change. I am very pleased that Dot West has agreed to Chair the group, and with the breadth and depth of experience and perspectives the members bring to the table,” Minister Rowland said.
“Through the Advisory Group the Government looks forward to working in true partnership with First Nations Australians to boost digital inclusion.”
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The establishment of a First Nations Digital Inclusion Advisory Group is part of the federal government’s substantial increase in investment in regional, rural and remote communications initiatives.
The Advisory Group also delivers an important recommendation of the 2021 Regional Telecommunications Review to ensure a focused and consultative approach to Indigenous digital inclusion.
Source: Minister for Communications media release. Content has been edited for style and length.