Improving Digital Connectivity for Indigenous Australians

Media release - Minister Wyatt

The Morrison Government has today launched public consultations for its landmark Indigenous Digital Inclusion Plan to accelerate the digital connectivity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

“Ensuring Indigenous Australians have quality access to digital technology encourages entrepreneurialism, wealth creation and economic advancement – it’s about closing the gap and taking the next step after that,” Minister for Indigenous Australians, Ken Wyatt AM MP, said.

“Over the last year and a half, we’ve seen how people have relied on technology, not just to stay in touch with family and friends, but also to launch new ventures and navigate through COVID-19.

“Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, particularly those in remote communities, are missing out on opportunities to start new businesses and grow because of access to technology.

“That is why we are developing a comprehensive plan to address the barriers to digital inclusion.”

Issues have been captured in a public discussion paper and the National Indigenous Australians Agency now welcomes feedback and submissions on this paper to further inform the plan.

“There will also be a series of virtual round-tables over the coming weeks for people to share what initiatives they believe will have the most impact to improving digital inclusion.

“The momentum of the Closing the Gap process provides an opportunity to work with Indigenous Australians, across governments and with industry to develop a meaningful plan and coordinate our investments.

“I look forward to seeing the plan develop with as much public input as possible, so together we can achieve Target 17 of the National Agreement on Closing the Gap; to provide equal levels of digital inclusion for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people by 2026.

“Addressing the digital divide will help all Australians become fully engaged online and support Australia’s ambition to become a world-leading digital economy and society by 2030.”

The Indigenous Digital Inclusion Plan is being developed by the National Indigenous Australians Agency with support from the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications, in close consultation with Indigenous organisations, businesses and communities.

More information and a copy of the discussion paper is available on the NIAA website, Indigenous Digital Inclusion Plan or you can contact the Agency at digitalinclusion@niaa.gov.au or on 1800 079 098.

Submissions on the discussion paper close 1 November 2021.