The Albanese Government has allocated an additional $67.5 million in the 2024-25 Budget to bolster its efforts against fraud as it transitions from digital literacy to swindle prevention.
In addition to the Be Connected initiative, the eSafety Commissioner plays a role for the development of online resources and oversight of the Young Mentors program, which involves secondary school students serving as digital mentors. The collaborative endeavors are designed to cultivate intergenerational connections and provide elder Australians with essential digital skills.
Minister for Communications Michelle Rowland stressed the importance of digital inclusion, stating, “Digital inclusion is not a privilege – it is a necessity.”
Read also: Over 2M seniors get tech savvy through Be Connected program
The government’s crackdown on scammers has also yielded promising results, with scam losses decreasing for the first time in nearly a decade.
Assistant Treasurer and Minister for Financial Services Stephen Jones notes, “There’s clear evidence that our scam crackdown is working, but losses remain far too high.”
“We are implementing an ambitious anti-scam agenda and will continue to introduce strategies that protect people’s money.”
The second phase of reforms includes mandatory industry codes for banks, telcos, and social media platforms to prevent, detect, and respond to scams. The government aims to establish Australia as a world leader in scam prevention with a focus on prevention, enforcement, and victim compensation.
Minister Rowland’s statement, “Our funding measures will ensure our regulators have all the tools they need to disrupt scammers and keep Australians safe,” reaffirmed the government’s dedication to disrupting scams.
The Albanese Government persists in its dedication to protecting individuals in the age of technology as part of its ongoing pursuit to enhance digital literacy and combat fraud. The dual initiative of the government is indeed something to look forward to, promising a safer and more inclusive online experience for all Australians.
More on the Albanese Government’s initiatives: Albanese Government’s Education Initiative ensures fair education for all
Adrianne Saplagio is a Content Producer at Comms Room, where she combines her passion for storytelling with her expertise in multimedia content creation. With a keen eye for detail and a knack for engaging audiences, Adrianne has been instrumental in crafting compelling narratives that resonate across various digital platforms.
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