A call for national action
30 June, 2025: With so much of daily life dependent on effective online participation, most Australians would be shocked to learn that almost a quarter of the population struggles to join in the digital world.
Indeed, as hard as it is to imagine life without the empowerment and convenience of online services, it is conversely simple to consider the negative impact digital exclusion has on people’s lives. Furthermore, while many digital tools offer great hope to deliver positive social and economic outcomes, those who might benefit the most are often those who lack the capacity to engage.
The Albanese Government is stamped with a proud mantra of ‘no-one held back, no-one left behind’, and meanwhile has a stated strategic goal to develop sovereign digital capability. To that end, digital inclusion would seem not only an obligation, but also a key opportunity and enabling foundation.
Australia is fortunate to be served by a dynamic ecosystem of not-for-profits, businesses, academic and community organisations, as well as government agencies working to address the multi-factor challenges of digital inclusion. But while there are many positive initiatives and demonstrated successes, the sector is highly fragmented and endures inefficiency, duplication, gaps in service delivery, and foregone potential.
6.6 million Australians are recognised as digitally excluded, and with a substantial potential economic benefit together with broader social impact on the table, it is time for a coordinated approach that elevates digital inclusion as a matter of national importance.
Together, we call on the Federal Government to back the capacity of all Australians to engage effectively in the online world. We call for accountability and coordination at a national level, ensuring people have the tools and skills to participate in life, learning and work, literacy to get and stay connected, to confidently embrace new tools and platforms, and to engage in a way that minimises harms and maximises potential.
We offer our constructive engagement to work with Government to make addressing digital inclusion a national priority. For digital capability to benefit all Australians.