The NSW Government is calling on local communities, industry, community organisations, and government agencies to help shape the state’s first Digital Inclusion Strategy.

Digital inclusion refers to equitable opportunities for people to access, afford and engage with digital technologies, services and online resources.

People living in regional, rural and remote areas, socio-economically disadvantaged and culturally and linguistically diverse communities, people with disability, gender diverse people and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are known to experience lower levels of digital inclusion.

The report Measuring Australia’s Digital Divide – Australian Digital Inclusion Index 2023 found between 24 and 42 per cent of these groups can be described as highly excluded from digital services.

In the first stage of the consultation, community members will have the opportunity to provide feedback on the Digital Inclusion Strategy discussion paper, while targeted stakeholder meetings, interviews and focus groups will also inform the strategy.

A Digital Inclusion Strategy and an accompanying Action Plan will underpin how future digital inclusion initiatives are identified, delivered and funded, as well as build on other government and community-led digital inclusion initiatives and programs already in place across NSW.

The development of the strategy and its initiatives will be spearheaded by the NSW Telco Authority as part of the NSW Government’s overarching Connectivity Strategy, which aims to bridge the digital divide for communities with limited access to digital services.

Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government Jihad Dib said, “In an increasingly digital world and with a shift towards online service delivery, including digital identity, healthcare, banking and social care, it is critical that no one gets left behind.”

“We want to work towards a future where everyone in NSW, regardless of their age, background, or location, can access and use digital connectivity and technologies.” said Dib

“This consultation is important, and we want as many people as possible to have their say on digital services.” he said.

The strategy comes in response to alarming statistics showing that nearly 10 per cent of the Australian population is highly digitally excluded, lacking the means to access or afford reliable internet connections and digital devices.

Older Australians are particularly affected by digital exclusion. The ADII report indicates that people aged 65-74 recorded scores 12.1 points below the national digital inclusion average, while those over 75 scored 24.6 points below the national average.

The significant gap underscores the need for targeted initiatives to support older citizens in acquiring digital skills and accessing technology.

Economic factors also play a critical role in digital exclusion. Digital exclusion is closely linked to economic disadvantages and the cost of living, with nearly 30 per cent of low-middle income households in NSW reporting they had to limit mobile phone use due to financial stress.

The disparity is stark between income quintiles, as only 57 per cent of households in the lowest income quintile have internet access, compared to 82 per cent in the highest income quintile.

The new Digital Inclusion Strategy aims to resolve these issues by providing a coordinated and centralised approach to identify, deliver fund digital inclusion programs, ensure efficient use of resources, and foster a more inclusive digital landscape across NSW.

To understand how an area compares to others in terms of digital connectivity, people can visit NSW Telco Authority’s new Digital Connectivity Index