Australia has a significant digital divide — between those with fast, reliable internet, modern devices, and strong digital skills, and those who lack one or more of these necessities. Digital exclusion limits access to employment, healthcare, education, government services, and social connection. As more of daily life moves online — from telehealth to government applications to job searching — the consequences of digital exclusion become increasingly severe. Grant funding supports programmes bridging this divide.
Who is digitally excluded
Digital exclusion is concentrated in:
- Older Australians (particularly those 75+)
- People on low incomes (unable to afford devices, data, or internet connection)
- People with disability
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people (particularly in remote areas)
- People in rural and remote areas (connectivity infrastructure gaps)
- Newly arrived migrants and refugees (unfamiliar with digital environments)
- People experiencing homelessness
Three dimensions of digital inclusion
The Australian Digital Inclusion Index (Telstra/RMIT) measures three dimensions:
1. Access: ability to connect (broadband/mobile data)
2. Affordability: cost relative to income
3. Digital ability: skills and confidence
Exclusion can occur on any dimension — having broadband doesn't help if you can't afford it or lack skills.
NBN Co Digital Inclusion
NBN Co (the National Broadband Network company) has digital inclusion programmes:
- Digital Ambassador training
- Digital literacy partnerships
- Targeted support for priority communities
Department of Social Services
DSS has funded digital inclusion through various programmes:
- Be Connected programme (digital skills for older adults)
- Settlement ESOL digital inclusion components
Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development
NBN infrastructure investment and connectivity equity.
Telstra
Telstra runs digital inclusion programmes:
- Telstra Connected Seniors
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander digital inclusion
- Telstra Foundation grants
Australia Post
Digital skills for small businesses and communities — through postal network.
Major philanthropic funders
Good Things Foundation Australia
Leading digital inclusion organisation — delivering Be Connected programme and digital literacy initiatives.
ACCAN (Australian Communications Consumer Action Network)
Consumer advocacy for telecommunications access and affordability.
National Seniors Australia
Older adult digital inclusion.
Infoxchange
Not-for-profit digital inclusion — technology for communities and social services.
Device access
Connectivity access
Digital skills for older adults
Digital skills for low-income families
Indigenous digital inclusion
Disability digital inclusion
ESOL and migrant digital inclusion
Community digital hubs
Telehealth has expanded — but requires digital skills and devices:
- Older adults who struggle with video calling miss telehealth benefits
- Remote communities with connectivity gaps cannot access telehealth
- Digital inclusion programmes explicitly linked to telehealth access are compelling for health funders
The three-way access problem
Digital inclusion is not just about devices OR skills OR connectivity — it's all three. Applications that address only one element while ignoring the others miss systemic barriers. Show how your programme addresses the full picture or articulates what complementary programmes address the other elements.
Sustainability of skills
Digital skills require ongoing support — technology changes rapidly. Show how your programme provides ongoing assistance, not one-off training sessions.
Trusted community delivery
Digital skills are most effectively delivered by trusted community organisations — libraries, neighbourhood houses, community centres — not telecommunications companies directly. Show community delivery model.
Outcome measurement
Digital inclusion outcomes include: government services accessed online, telehealth appointments completed, job applications submitted, online learning modules completed, social connection via video call. Measure actual use, not just skills acquisition.
Hardware sustainability
Donated and refurbished devices need maintenance and replacement — show a sustainable hardware pipeline, not just a one-off donation.
Tahua's grants management platform supports digital inclusion funders and community technology organisations — with programme participant tracking, skills outcome measurement, community reach data, and the reporting tools that help digital inclusion funders demonstrate their investment in bridging Australia's digital divide and expanding access to online opportunity.