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The roadmap is the culmination of nearly two years of work by the First Nations Digital Inclusion Advisory Group (FNDIAG), established in January 2023.
Led by co-chairs Dot West OAM and Dr Lyndon Ormond-Parker, the Advisory Group is providing advice on progressing Target 17 of the National Agreement on Closing the Gap: to achieve equal levels of digital inclusion for First Nations people by 2026.
The roadmap has been informed by extensive engagement with First Nations people and communities, including in remote areas.
“The Albanese Government is working to bridge the digital divide for First Nations Australians living in regional and remote communities,” comments Minister for Communications, the Hon Michelle Rowland MP.
“This work is supported by the First Nations Digital Inclusion Advisory Group which is providing strong advocacy and advice.”
In addition to supporting Target 17, the recommendations from the roadmap support First Nations digital innovation and excellence.
“The Advisory Group’s roadmap advances solutions to narrow the digital divide. By working together with State and Territory Governments, industry, and communities, we can progress towards Target 17 of Closing the Gap,” she adds.
“I thank the First Nations Digital Inclusion Advisory Group for their expertise and work which is invaluable in informing policy and decision-making now and into the future.”
The roadmap highlights the considerable benefits of digital inclusion, including access to services and information, social connection and economic opportunity.
The Albanese Government is delivering on key recommendations of the Advisory Group’s initial report to Government, by committing $68 million to digital inclusion programs.
This includes the free community Wi-Fi initiative for remote communities, a digital support hub, and network of digital mentors.
Read more: Government enhances First Nations cultural communications with new funding
“The First Nations digital inclusion roadmap has been informed by feedback from extensive consultations with communities across Australia – ensuring First Nations people have had a say in how we can address the barriers to digital inclusion,” says Minister for Indigenous Australians, the Hon Malarndirri McCarthy.
“The roadmap recognises the importance of place-based solutions and puts First Nations people and communities at the centre of this work.”
“Importantly, the roadmap provides a way forward to not only narrow the digital divide, but support First Nations people to innovate and thrive online by having access to the opportunities enabled by digital inclusion.”
It also includes additional funding to RMIT University to improve national data collection on digital inclusion to better track progress, and target future initiatives, as part of the Australian Digital Inclusion Index.
The Government will consider the recommendations of the roadmap and continue to work closely with the FNDIAG to improve digital inclusion in the areas of access, affordability and digital ability.
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.
