Overview
A digital transformation is reshaping the world, bringing government and business services online. While this enhances productivity and access for most Australians, it also poses a risk of deepening disadvantages in specific communities.
In Australia, the digital exclusion rate has decreased overall, but certain groups remain at higher risk, including:
- multicultural communities
- people with disabilities
- First Nations people
- those in regional or remote areas.
This exclusion affects education, health, and social connections in these communities. As we plan for smart places, it is crucial to address gaps in access, affordability, and digital literacy.
This SmartNSW Masterclass explores the factors causing the digital divide, including:
- experiences within disadvantaged communities
- impacts on health, education, and economic opportunities
- interventions to bridge this gap.
The event's aim is for all attendees to leave with a greater appreciation of their role in forming smart places that are inclusive, cohesive and provide opportunities for everyone to participate.
This event was originally broadcast in July 2023.
Watch the sessions
Learn from industry experts as they engage in smart speed sessions and panel discussions.
Welcome and keynote: Bridging the digital divide
Speakers:
- Rory Brown, Executive Director, Smart Places, Cities and Active Transport, Transport for NSW
- The Hon Jihad Dib...
21:58
Panel discussion: Examining the digital divide
Speakers:
- Emily Rucker, Director Smart Places Policy and Engagement, Transport for NSW
- Anthony McCosker, Node Director and...
47:20
Speed session: Responding to digital inequity
Speakers:
- Joanna Kubota, Executive Director, The Parks, Sydney’s Parkland Councils
- John Chan, Associate Director, Whole of...
26:21
Panel discussion: Responding to digital inequity
Speakers:
- Sandy Burgoyne, Director, Smart Places Programs Cities and Active Transport, Transport for NSW
- Joanna Kubota...
42:07
Resources
Access the masterclass summary, presenter slides and additional resources.
Key takeaways and presenter slides
- SmartNSW Masterclass: Bridging the digital divide – Key takeaways (PDF 935.32KB)
- Western Parkland City Digital Equity and Inclusion Insights Program – Joanna Kubota, Executive Director, The Parks, Sydney's Parkland Councils (PDF 1.09MB)
- Uplifting connectivity for digital equity and inclusion – John Chan, Associate Director, Connectivity Strategy, NSW Telco Authority (PDF 349.77KB)
- Closing the Gap – Natt Smith, Director, Aboriginal Outcomes, Department of Customer Service (PDF 455.72KB)
- Grants and rebates – Claudine Gerber, A/Group Product Director, Grants and Rebates, Digital Services, Service NSW (PDF 555.77KB).
Further reading
Western Parkland Digital Equity and Inclusion Program
- Digital Equity and Inclusion Office | Western Parkland Councils
- Western Parkland City Digital Equity and Inclusion Insights Program (video)
- Digital Western Parkland City
- Australian Digital Inclusion Index.
Closing the Gap in NSW
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