Western Australians have been invited to share their opinions on the expansion of online services and growth of digital technology in response to a new blueprint for digital inclusion.
Minister for Innovation and ICT, Dave Kelly said the Digital Inclusion Blueprint was aimed at giving people of all ages, cultural and linguistic backgrounds, abilities, income levels and locations, the skills and tools to access and engage with digital technology and online services.
“Every day across the globe, people spend on average six hours a day online, yet 11.6 per cent of WA households do not have access to the internet,” Mr Kelly said.
“Furthermore, 26 per cent of the State’s lowest income earners do not access the internet.”
He said the public now had the opportunity to share their experiences of using digital technology and provide valuable feedback on the draft blueprint.
“The draft blueprint identifies four key priority areas for digital inclusion – Focusing on digital connectivity; Affordability; Digital skills; and the Design of online Government services,” Mr Kelly said.
“Feedback will inform Digital Inclusion in WA: A Blueprint for a Digitally-Inclusive State, which will guide the delivery of digital inclusion initiatives in Western Australia.”
He said the pandemic had highlighted the challenges for those in the community who did not have ready access to the technologies.
“The draft blueprint outlines a strategy for Government, community and industry to work together to build on existing initiatives as well as develop new ways to improve digital inclusion for Western Australians,” the Minister said.
The draft Blueprint as well as printable copies of the surveys can be accessed at this PS News link.
Submissions close 18 September.
