While Australia is experiencing accelerated digital transformation, our most
vulnerable socio-demographics groups are facing digital exclusion
Digital Inclusion is recognised as
having the capabilities and access to
confidently use information
communication technologies (ICTs).
The Australian Digital Inclusion
Index (ADII) has been developed to
report on the current state of Digital
Inclusion within the nation and
utilises three measures;
•
Access,
•
Affordability, and
•
Ability.
“Exclusion from the digital world can exacerbate other forms of social
exclusion such as access to health services, employment opportunities
and education”
Carnegie Trust 2
Australians are experiencing accelerated digital transformation
across both their social and economic life, with services
increasingly being delivered through digital channels to connect
Australians to healthcare, financial, education and community
services.
However despite increasing connections, certain demographics
are struggling to readily afford, and/or access ICTs, and/or are
unconfident in using new digital technologies.
According to the 2023 Australian Digital Inclusion Index, 9.4% of
the population are highly digitally excluded 1. This represents
approximately 2.3 million Australians 1. This group of Australians
are disproportionally represented by low-income, the elderly and
vulnerable socio-demographic groups.
WHY IS DIGITAL INCLUSION IMPORTANT
1.
Australian Digital Inclusion Index, 2023, Measuring Australia’s Digital Divide, https://www.digitalinclusionindex.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/ADII-2023-Summary_FINAL-Remediated.pdf
2.
CarnegieUK, 2016, The role of digital exclusion in social exclusion, LOW-2697-CUKT-Digital-Participation-Report-REVISE.pdf (d1ssu070pg2v9i.cloudfront.net)
3.
PWC Australia, 2022, The life-changing potential of digital inclusion, The life-changing potential of digital inclusion (pwc.com.au)
Individuals with low levels of income, education, aged 65+ and
living regionally are generally at greater risk of being digitally
excluded 1. The ADII has identified three key critical barriers to
digital inclusion, which include access to ICTs, affordability to get
online, and an individual’s digital ability/ literacy to enjoy the full
opportunities of ICTs in a safe manner.
As such in continuing to address digital exclusion, key areas of
opportunities for the private and public sectors to focus on
include;
•
Improvement in digital literacy programs for at-risk
demographics;
•
Increasing internet connectivity through investment in
infrastructure;
•
Increasing awareness and the ease of accessing low-cost
services available to low-income groups,
•
Optimising services for mobile use and 3,
•
Providing opportunities for excluded citizens to participate in
the digital workforce/ education to integrate digital upskilling
into daily life 3.
HOW DIGITAL INCLUSION CAN BE
ADDRESSED