The digital divide
1 in 4 people in Australia are digitally excluded, putting them at risk of being left behind in our digital world.
Digital inclusion is a social issue
Digital inclusion means ensuring people can use the internet and technology to improve their daily lives. This is not just a tech issue. Digital inclusion is about enabling access to everything the digital world has to offer to ensure no one is left behind.
The Australian Digital Inclusion Index (ADII) shows that while digital inclusion is slowly increasing across Australia, there remains a substantial digital divide in Australia.
1 in 4 people in Australia are still digitally excluded (ADII, 2023). People with low levels of income, education and employment, those living in some regional areas, people aged over 65 and people with a disability are at particular risk of being left behind.
Everyone in Australia has the right to affordable access to digital technology and the skills and confidence to use it.
We believe that digital technology can support equality of opportunity and ensures everyone can fully participate in today’s society. That’s why we work every day to bridge the digital divide.
What is the digital divide?
1 in 4 people are digitally excluded (ADII, 2023)
less than 40% of Australians feel they can keep up with rapid changes in technology (ADII, 2020)
Affordable access & ability are needed to cross the digital divide (ADII 2021)
Read more about the digital skills divide:
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Essential digital skills
Read more about the building blocks people need to participate in the digital world.
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Digital health literacy
Digital skills enable safe access to reliable and trustworthy health information, resources and services.
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Digital inclusion for CALD communities
Digital exclusion significantly impacts new migrant and refugees' ability to settle into their new home and participate fully in their new communities.
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Digital skills in a crisis
Recent natural disasters and the COVID-19 pandemic highlight the need for every Australian to have the digital skills to find reliable information online and connect with friends, family, and essential recovery services.
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The digital gender divide
Digital skills and affordable access are important for women to participate equally in all aspects of society.
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Digital inclusion for people with disability
People with disability in Australia are more at risk of being left behind in the digital world.