National body an opportunity for coordinated action on digital inclusion
15 July, 2026: The Australian Digital Inclusion Alliance (ADIA) today called for a greater focus on community capability and digital inclusion through the newly announced Office of AI.
David Spriggs, Chair, Australian Digital Inclusion Alliance said: “We welcome the Prime Minister’s announcement of an Office of AI to coordinate a national interest approach to AI. This is a positive step and clearly there is a strong intent from the government to spread the benefits of AI.”
“Improved digital skills and literacy will be fundamental to ensure all Australians are able to engage confidently and safely with AI, and we are hopeful that the Office of AI can play a role in coordinating responses in this area.”
“We have previously called for national accountability and coordination to address digital inclusion and the Office of AI presents a real opportunity to make that a reality. As the Prime Minister pointed out, we need to act with intent to ensure Australia captures the AI opportunity. This includes addressing issues of digital inclusion, whether affordability, access or ability ”
The most recent Australian Digital Inclusion Index found that around one in five Australians are digitally excluded or highly digitally excluded and roughly one in ten are highly excluded. Rates of exclusion are much higher for people aged 75+ years, those who did not complete secondary school, public housing residents and First Nations people. The same study notes the increasing prevalence of AI use across the community, further highlighting gaps in access and capability.
The ADIA has identified a number of initiatives to drive improvements in digital inclusion, including a national common language and benchmark for digital skills, a National Device Bank to facilitate device refurbishment and reuse, and a national concessional broadband product to improve affordable internet access.
Media Contact
Tim Marshall, Co-Convenor, Australian Digital Inclusion Alliance
tmarshall@digitalinclusion.org.au
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.