NSW Telco Authority consulting on digital inclusion

The NSW Telco Authority has commenced a consultation aimed at helping shape the state’s first Digital Inclusion Strategy. The agency is inviting local communities, industry, community organisations and government departments to help design the strategy and ensure it can meet its goals, which include reducing digital exclusion across NSW.

According to the 2023 Australian Digital Inclusion Index (ADII) report, nearly one in four Australians are digitally excluded, based on factors of access, affordability and digital ability. Almost 10% of the population is highly digitally excluded, meaning they can’t access or afford a reliable internet connection and digital devices or use them effectively to further their participation in social, economic and civic life.

The NSW Telco Authority is soliciting feedback on the Digital Inclusion Strategy discussion paper, and also plans to hold targeted stakeholder meetings, interviews and focus groups to inform the strategy.

The strategy will be accompanied by an action plan detailing how digital inclusion initiatives are identified, delivered and funded. The development of the strategy will form part of the NSW Government’s overarching Connectivity Strategy, which aims to bridge the digital divide for communities with limited access to digital services.

NSW Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government Jihad Dib said it is critical that nobody gets left behind in an increasingly digital world that is shifting towards online delivery of key services including digital identity, health care, banking and social care.

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

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