The Australian Government is continuing its work towards Target 17 of the National Agreement on Closing the Gap, which aims for equal levels of digital inclusion for First Nations people by 2026. First Nations people and communities are encouraged to provide their views on upcoming programs which will support First Nations digital inclusion.
The First Nations Digital Inclusion Advisory Group (Advisory Group) initial report was released in October 2023. The initial report provided advice and recommendations to support improved digital inclusion for First Nations people.
Based on the recommendations in the initial report, the Australian Government committed $68 million in the 2024–25 Budget to support First Nations digital inclusion. This includes funding for:
- 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.
It also includes the $20 million (GST exclusive) which was announced in February 2024 to provide free community Wi-Fi services to around 20 First Nations communities in partnership with nbn co®.
Public feedback is now being sought on draft grant opportunity guidelines for three of the programs funded in the 2024-25 Budget.
First Nations Community Wi-Fi Program
The Government has allocated $20 million to provide free community Wi-Fi solutions in remote and very remote First Nations communities.
The program aims to improve digital inclusion for First Nations people and communities by providing accessible, place‑based solutions that are tailored to the needs of individual communities now and into the future, with accessibility and sustainability key features of the program.
The additional funding will build on the nbn co® Community Wi-Fi program through which free Wi-Fi connectivity is being delivered to around 20 remote First Nations communities.
First Nations Digital Support Hub and Network of Digital Mentors
Backed by $4 million in funding from the Australian Government, the First Nations Digital Support Hub will provide telephone and online advice for First Nations people and communities across Australia. It will support people to have the skills to be online safely and effectively, and to understand the connectivity options which best suit their needs.
The Government is also investing $18 million on a Network of Digital Mentors, who will provide on the ground in‑community support to assist with access to online services, improve digital literacy skills, and boost online safety among First Nations people.
First Nations people, communities and organisations are encouraged to have their say on the draft guidelines to ensure the programs meet the needs of communities and deliver on the objective of narrowing the digital gap.
To view the draft guidelines and provide feedback, visit:
- First Nations Community Wi-Fi Program – draft Grant Opportunity Guidelines | Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts
- First Nations Digital Support Hub and Network of Digital Mentors – draft combined grant opportunity guidelines | Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts
Submissions close at 5:00pm AEDT on 15 December 2024.
Go to First Nations Digital Inclusion for more information.
