30 June, 2025: An inclusive digital society must become a national priority as Australia embraces AI and digital technologies in pursuit of renewed productivity and economic growth, according to the peak body representing digital inclusion proponents and community providers.
With almost a quarter of the population# struggling to effectively engage in the digital world, the Australian Digital Inclusion Alliance (ADIA) has called for national accountability and coordination in efforts to close the digital gap.
As rapid digitisation continues across all facets of life and AI fast becomes an everyday reality, the ADIA also pressed for a fresh focus on digital skills and literacy, to ensure all Australians are able to safely and confidently access the benefits, including from the most foundational levels.
“The Albanese Government rightly recognises digital and AI capability as huge opportunities for the nation and it is imperative that it also recognise and take responsibility for digital inclusion as a crucial foundation for that agenda,” said David Spriggs, Chair, Australian Digital Inclusion Alliance.
“Most Australians would be shocked to learn that almost a quarter of the population struggles to join in the digital world and all it enables in daily life. While digital tools and AI offer great hope to deliver positive social and economic outcomes, those who might benefit most are often those who lack the capacity to effectively engage, whether through gaps of ability, access or affordability.”
ADIA has released a new position paper, A National Approach to Digital Inclusion, outlining the multifaceted challenges, opportunities and efforts of a fragmented sector to deliver positive outcomes. Endorsed by leaders across the digital inclusion space, the paper makes three key recommendations for government action in collaboration with the sector:
- Establish accountability, including cross-portfolio ministerial responsibility, sector advisory body, national goal and action plan.
- Invest in coordination, including ecosystem mapping, sector resourcing and government leadership.
- Prioritise ability, including setting a national benchmark for digital ability – an articulation of the minimum level of digital ability we aspire to for Australians.
The paper recognises significant economic and social benefits through digital inclusion, but also gaps in fully understanding the potential impact and appropriate evidence-based policy responses for large scale improvements. As such, the ADIA commits itself as a constructive partner for government to help coordinate the sector and inform evidence-based responses.
“Digital inclusion is a multifaceted challenge and interfaces across all areas of social and economic disadvantage. But approaching the problem in the same fragmented way won’t be enough. It’s time for a national approach, with government leadership in coordinated collaboration with those working to address digital inclusion,” Spriggs said.
“Australia has a dedicated digital inclusion sector with some terrific opportunities to build from, including the federal government’s foundational progress in First Nations digital inclusion, formed around a clear goal and advisory group. Concepts such as a national device bank and concessional broadband product are also strong opportunities for government leadership.”
Supporting Quotes
Carol Bennett, CEO, Australian Communications Consumer Action Network: “Access to communications services is fundamental to participating in modern life — from work and education to health, social connection, and accessing government services. In this context, advancing digital inclusion has never been more urgent. Real progress will require collaboration, and we commend the ADIA for its critical role in bringing together community voices, consumer groups, policymakers and government to drive meaningful change.”
Josh Griggs, CEO, Australian Computer Society: “While Australia has a huge opportunity to expand its digital skills base and access the productivity benefits enabled by digital technologies, it is also imperative to consider the foundational skills people need just to participate in modern life, education and work. As AI rapidly emerges, it is vital to ensure people have the ability and confidence to fully engage in the opportunity, while empowering more people with the most basic digital skills can have the positive effect of increasing workforce diversity as they progress to higher levels of capability. Digital ability must be front and centre of efforts to create an equitable digital society and strong digital economy.”
Sarah Davies AM, CEO, Alannah & Madeline Foundation: “Digital inclusion provides myriad positive social and economic benefits for all Australians, but a fragmented approach means many still lack the skills, knowledge and capacity to engage effectively in the digital world. That’s why the Alannah & Madeline Foundation supports a national approach to digital inclusion, with particular focus on ensuring all children and young people have access to quality digital literacy education that equips them with the skills, knowledge and confidence to safely and successfully navigate and participate in the digital world.”
Jess Wilson, CEO, Good Things Australia: “The increasing prevalence of digital technologies in almost every aspect of our everyday lives provides opportunities for increased economic and social inclusion, improved access to health, greater well-being, and greater productivity. Good Things’ research into the Economic Benefits of Overcoming Digital Exclusion* found that there are almost half a billion dollars in annual benefits available if appropriate digital skills training and financial support are delivered to those most excluded.”
Doug Taylor, CEO The Smith Family: “At The Smith Family, we have seen first-hand the enormous impact access to a digitally connected laptop can make to educational and life outcomes of students and their families. National leadership and a national approach are essential if we are to close the digital divide. We need cooperation across departments beyond education, the coordination and cooperation of Federal, State and Territory governments, and the right policy settings to support this.”
Caroline McDaid, CEO, WorkVentures: “A nationally coordinated approach is essential to build on the incredible work already underway across Australia to improve digital inclusion. Initiatives like a National Device Bank offer a practical and scalable way to bridge the digital access gap – and, in doing so, serve as a catalyst for broader progress in digital skills and connectivity. But without federal leadership and support, efforts risk becoming fragmented, potentially leaving communities behind. Now is the time for a unified national approach that ensures digital inclusion is equitable, sustainable and truly nationwide.”
Media Contact
Tim Marshall, Co-Convenor, Australian Digital Inclusion Alliance
tmarshall@digitalinclusion.org.au
Download our paper, A National Approach to Digital Inclusion
About the Australian Digital Inclusion Alliance
The Australian Digital Inclusion Alliance (ADIA) is a shared initiative with over 500 not-for-profits, businesses, academic and community organisations, and government agencies working together to accelerate action on digital inclusion. Our member organisations conduct a variety of research and practical programs aimed at reducing the digital divide and enabling greater social and economic participation for all Australians. Supported by Infoxchange, Telstra and Google, we work to enable collaboration and advocacy on key priorities for those organisations who work daily to advance progress on digital inclusion. Our work is guided by a governance and strategy committee – including representation from Infoxchange, Telstra, Google, Swinburne University of Technology, Good Things Australia, The Smith Family, the Australian Communications Consumer Action Network, Alannah & Madeline Foundation, The Inclusive Design Collective and Education Services Australia.
# Australian Digital Inclusion Index, 2023: https://www.digitalinclusionindex.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/ADII-2023-Summary_FINAL-Remediated.pdf
* Economic Benefits of Overcoming Digital Exclusion, 2024: https://goodthingsaustralia.org/news/economic-benefits-of-overcoming-digital-exclusion-report