The Australian Government is committed to achieving Target 17 of the National Agreement on Closing the Gap, which aims for equal levels of digital inclusion for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people by 2026. This Target underpins Outcome 17, which focuses on First Nations Australians accessing information and services needed to make informed choices about their lives and communities.
Closing the gap in digital inclusion is critical to supporting First Nations people and communities to:
- access essential online services such as telehealth, Centrelink and online learning; and
- fully participate in and enjoy the economic and social opportunities that come with using digital technologies.
The work underpinning Target 17 recognises that improving digital inclusion for First Nations people is an important enabler for broader social and economic benefits, including access to services and transforming the delivery of Government services consistent with Priority Reform Three in the National Agreement on Closing the Gap.
The First Nations Digital Inclusion Advisory Group (Advisory Group) initial report was released in October 2023. The initial report provided advice and options to support improved digital inclusion for First Nations people. The Advisory Group will also shortly release its First Nations digital inclusion roadmap.
Based on the recommendations in the initial report, the Australian Government committed $68 million (GST exclusive) in the 2024–25 Budget on measures to support First Nations digital inclusion:
- Free Community Wi-Fi in remote communities through an open competitive program
- The First Nations Digital Support Hub
- A network of digital mentors
- Improving the national collection of data on First Nations digital inclusion
This funding includes the up to $20 million (GST exclusive) which was announced in February 2024 to provide free community Wi-Fi services to 23 First Nations communities in partnership with NBN Co.
Community Wi-Fi programs
NBN Co Free Community Wi-Fi (Round 1)
Since the Prime Minister's announcement in February 2024, 23 remote First Nations communities have been selected to receive NBN Co free community Wi-Fi connectivity. The selection of communities was based on consultation with the Advisory Group, National Indigenous Australians Agency (NIAA), Department of Social Services (DSS) and state and territory governments. Wi-Fi services in 20 communities are expected to be activated towards the end of 2024, with the remaining communities having their services activated in 2025.
First Nations Community Wi-Fi Program (Round 2)
A further $20 million (GST exclusive) was provided to roll out free community Wi-Fi solutions to additional remote and very remote First Nations communities. This funding will be awarded to suitable applicants through an open competitive grant process and will target communities with poor levels of connectivity and digital inclusion to provide them with sustainable, place-based solutions, that meets community needs.
Project Noticeboard
A First Nations Project Noticeboard for the program is now available for First Nations communities, local, state and territory governments, and Aboriginal Community-Controlled Organisations (ACCOs) to identify potential projects or locations which would benefit from free community Wi-Fi.
Eligible applicants will be able to consider the proposed projects on the Project Noticeboard when developing their applications.
It is important to note that posting on the Project Noticeboard does not guarantee that an application for funding for a project, or a project in the nominated location, will be submitted, or that funding will be allocated to the proposed project or location. However, it can help communities advise the industry of the opportunities for place-based, needs-based solutions in remote Australia, and demonstrate support for new proposals.
The Project Noticeboard will close approximately two weeks after the grant opportunity opens for applications in early 2025. This will allow eligible applicants time to consider advice provided through the Noticeboard and to engage with state or territory governments and communities on the development of proposals.
First Nations Digital Support Hub and Network of Digital Mentors
The First Nations Digital Support Hub will support digital ability and connectivity literacy for First Nations people and communities, helping them to have the skills to be online safely and effectively, and to understand which connectivity option is best for them. It will provide this support through online materials and resources, and a telephone support line. The Digital Support Hub has been provided with funding of $4 million (GST exclusive) over two years from 2024–25.
The First Nations Digital Support Hub will be delivered in conjunction with a network of digital mentors. The network of digital mentors has received funding of $18 million (GST exclusive) over three years from 2024–25 ($9 million funded by NIAA).
The network of digital mentors will train mentors within participating communities to assist community members to connect online, increase awareness of risks (such as scams), develop digital skills, participate in the digital economy and access online services such as through MyGov and Digital ID.
The department is seeking feedback on the draft Grant Opportunity Guidelines for the First Nations Digital Support Hub and Network of Digital Mentors programs.
Improving the national collection of data on First Nations digital inclusion
This measure provides $6 million (GST exclusive) over three years, from 2024–25 to increase the scope and sample size of the Australian Digital Inclusion Index (ADII).
This funding will improve the national collection of data on First Nations digital inclusion by expanding the scope and sample size of the ADII to:
- build on current levels of data collection, including a more robust urban and regional sample;
- create an Index of First Nations digital inclusion to provide a more robust measure of the national digital inclusion gap; and
- assist in developing a better understanding of our current state and progress towards Closing the Gap Target 17.
More information on First Nations digital inclusion can be found at the links below: