Advancing digital inclusivity
ll smart places should be inclusive, making sure no one is left behind. This is a key principle of the Smart Places Customer Charter.
Three key factors impact digital inclusion:
Access
Do people have access to reliable internet connection and devices?
Affordability
Can people afford to pay for quality services and up-to-date devices?
Ability
To what extent do people have the skills and confidence to use digital services?
Digital inequity
Digital inequity is the gap between people who have good access to affordable internet, and have the skills needed to participate – and those who don't.
It causes social and economic disadvantage. This is because people who can't get online readily can miss out on:
- educational opportunities
- government services
- connections to their communities and families
- job opportunities.
Groups often excluded
The Australian Digital Inclusion Index shows that some groups in our community are more at risk of being digitally excluded. This includes:
- multicultural communities
- people with disability
- First Nations peoples
- people who are 65 and over
- people with lower social and economic opportunity.
Understanding digital equity in your place
When you engage with your community during the discovery phase you should try to understand digital inequities that exist. This will help you form good problem and outcome statements to achieve digital inclusion.
Related resources
- The NSW Government is developing the first Digital Inclusion Strategy in our state. Find out more and have your say – consultation is open until 19 July 2024.
- NSW Digital Restart Fund projects are helping advance digital inclusion. Find out how we are helping all NSW citizens have equal digital access at Digital.NSW.
- The Australian Digital Inclusion Index tracks and reports on digital inclusion in Australia – it can help you benchmark your local government area in comparison to others.
- The National Agreement on Closing the Gap and Target 17 – driving digital inclusion for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
- The NSW Telco Authority's NSW Connectivity Strategy – ensuring modern, high-speed digital networks are available to all.
- Read about NSW Government's long-term goals for digital capabilities.
- Find out more about the work underway in the Western Parkland City through the Digital Equity and Inclusion Office and browse the spatial map of digital equity and inclusion services.
- Understanding digital equity in a place - a methodology for place managers
Related case studies
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Western Parkland City Digital Equity and Inclusion Insights Program
Helping people in Western Parkland City engage with digital services.
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Smart Central River City Program
Implementing Smart Places principles in a brownfield context for the Central River City. This program is driving transformation of the area into a thriving economic powerhouse.