The National Indigenous Australians Agency (NIAA) has announced that the Indigenous Digital Inclusion Plan, aimed at accelerating the digital connectivity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, is open for consultation.
Minister for Indigenous Australians, Ken Wyatt said ensuring Indigenous Australians had quality access to digital technology encouraged entrepreneurialism, wealth creation and economic advancement.
“It’s about Closing the Gap and taking the next step after that,” Mr Wyatt said.
“Over the last year-and-a-half, we’ve seen how people have relied on technology, not just to stay in touch with family and friends, but also to launch new ventures and navigate through COVID-19.”
He said Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, particularly those in remote communities, were missing out on opportunities to start new businesses and grow because of lack of access to technology.
“That is why we are developing a comprehensive plan to address the barriers to digital inclusion,” Mr Wyatt said.
The Minister said apart from feedback and submissions, there would be a be a series of virtual round-tables over the coming weeks for people to share what initiatives they believed would have the most impact to improving digital inclusion.
“I look forward to seeing the Plan develop with as much public input as possible, so together we can achieve Target 17 of the National Agreement on Closing the Gap — to provide equal levels of digital inclusion for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people by 2026,” he said.
Mr Wyatt said the Plan was developed by the NIAA, with support from the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications.
He said there was also close consultation with Indigenous organisations, businesses and communities.
Consultation closes on 1 November and the 26-page Indigenous Digital Inclusion
Plan Discussion Paper (September 2021), including how to have a say, can be accessed at this PS News link.
