Call for national action as digital divide persists in Australia

The Australian Digital Inclusion Alliance (ADIA) has responded to new findings from the latest Australian Digital Inclusion Index, calling for a coordinated national approach to address enduring disparities in digital access and capability.

The updated index, produced with support from Telstra, RMIT University, Swinburne University and the ARC Centre of Excellence for Automated Decision Making and Society, signals progress in digital inclusion rates across Australia. However, the data shows that roughly 20% of Australians are still unable to fully participate in the digital world, with persistent obstacles relating to access, affordability and digital ability.

Gaps remain

The report points to ongoing disparities, particularly for First Nations Australians, low-income households, older people, people with disabilities and communities outside metropolitan areas. While digital skills, ability and literacy rates are improving overall, these gains have not eliminated gaps for some of the nation's most vulnerable groups.

The index also captures a surge in the use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools, prompting concerns around community readiness and the need for evolving digital capabilities. The findings highlight challenges in ensuring that all Australians possess the skills and literacy required to use such technologies safely and confidently.

National coordination

"Digital inclusion is a vital enabler for social and economic participation and this new data highlights the very real challenges that people face to access those benefits. The index helps identify critical barriers and provides evidence to inform policies and initiatives to close the digital gap.

David Spriggs, Chair of the ADIA, highlighted these concerns following the index update. He said that the time is right for a national goal on digital inclusion, coordinated across government and sector stakeholders.

"The digital inclusion challenge is becoming more pronounced as AI rapidly becomes part of everyday life. Australia needs a coordinated national response to avoid a growing AI divide and this new data provides the benchmarks to inform targets to guide us. "While digital ability index scores are improving, the ADIA remains particularly concerned about the skills and literacy required to engage in the digital world with safety and confidence. AI is raising the stakes and increased adoption across the community means we need AI literacy to be a foundation of our national AI adoption strategies."

Action plan proposed

The ADIA recently released a position paper, A National Approach to Digital Inclusion, describing the fragmented landscape of digital inclusion efforts and recommending clearer accountability mechanisms. Among the proposals are the establishment of cross-portfolio ministerial responsibility, creation of a sector advisory body, and the adoption of a national goal and action plan.

The alliance has also called for greater investment in coordination through actions such as ecosystem mapping, dedicated sector resources, and stronger government leadership. In addition, the ADIA is advocating for the introduction of a national benchmark for digital ability - a defined minimum level of digital competency for all Australians.

The ADIA argues that setting a national target would help focus support around evidence-based policies and drive measurable improvement. The alliance has expressed its willingness to work with government and other stakeholders across the digital inclusion ecosystem to ensure accountability and to implement recommended policy changes.

AI and future risks

The latest index indicates that generative AI is being rapidly adopted in the community, introducing new challenges related to digital literacy and safety. According to the ADIA, these developments underscore the need for tailored education and support, particularly for groups currently facing significant barriers to digital participation.

The ADIA has emphasised the importance of AI literacy being at the core of any future national strategies to encourage responsible and inclusive use of emerging technologies.

The report and the ADIA's recommendations will be provided to policymakers and stakeholders as part of ongoing efforts to close the digital divide, with a focus on delivering equitable outcomes for all Australians regardless of geographical location, income or background.