First NSW digital inclusion strategy to help | Australian Markets

A tool bank repurposing authorities laptops and more help to shield susceptible people from cyber dangers are two key initiatives to be delivered via the NSW Government’s first Digital Inclusion Strategy.

The Minns Labor Government’s strategy goals to bridge the digital divide for people dwelling in NSW by addressing challenges confronted by susceptible and deprived communities when participating online.

The new strategy will help the digital financial system and people in NSW who’re struggling to afford or entry the web or who lack the talents or confidence to work together online safely, and launches a sequence of transformative initiatives.

The all-of-government method is constructed round 5 pillars – digital skill, affordability, accessibility, connectivity, and trust and security – serving to people to gain the entry, instruments and confidence to thrive in a trendy digital world, whereas sustaining offline choices for important providers.

According to ScamWatch, Australians reported dropping more than $2 billion to scams final yr, with more than 67,000 scams reported by NSW residents alone.

Vulnerable teams who can least afford to be focused are at vital risk, whether or not they’re retirees or low-income earners.

Consultation on the strategy revealed more than 80 per cent of respondents had skilled online scams, privateness breaches or harassment, with at-risk teams disproportionally affected. This contains Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, those that are culturally and linguistically various, people within the LGBTIQ+ neighborhood and people dwelling with incapacity.

As half of the strategy, ID Support NSW will construct on their work to help susceptible communities via workshops and instruments to help people shield themselves from hackers and scammers, strengthen password security, spot a rip-off or safeguard towards digital threats.

To present more equitable entry to digital providers, the NSW Government will work with industry to pilot a NSW Device Bank to refurbish authorities laptops for deprived households and people to join, study, work and entry very important info. Each yr, the NSW Government retires round 2,300 laptops, which will be given a new lease on life.

A key deliverable beneath the NSW Digital Strategy, the NSW Digital Inclusion Strategy will even help drive broader financial advantages together with improved entry to training, employment and healthcare.

The digital inclusion strategy builds on analysis and session with the public, neighborhood organisations, authorities companies and the technology sector. More than 1,630 submissions have been acquired, highlighting limitations to digital inclusion.

Findings show more than one in 5 people (22 per cent) really feel they lack expertise for utilizing the web for on a regular basis duties, with older people and people dwelling in public housing essentially the most affected.

The NSW Digital Inclusion Strategy has been developed by the NSW Telco Authority and will be considered at nsw.gov.au/digital-inclusion-strategy.

Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government Jihad Dib stated:

“The NSW Digital Inclusion Strategy is about giving people a fair go in the digital world and helping to bridge the digital divide.

“Whether you’re in social housing, a remote community, living with disability or struggling with the cost of staying connected, we are looking at ways Government can help and make life easier for communities.

“Through these initiatives we can make a real difference for those who most need support. As the first strategy of its kind in NSW it gives us a great launchpad to work with industry, not-for-profits and our communities to all play a role in lifting digital access.

“We know prioritising digital inclusion isn’t just the right thing to do, it’s the smart thing to do. By making strides to close the digital divide in NSW, we can help boost productivity and our economy through increased education, jobs and opportunities for people to reach their full potential.”

Minister for Disability Inclusion Kate Washington stated:

“The pandemic and recent disasters have shown us digital access isn’t a luxury, it’s a lifeline. It’s how we work, learn, connect with loved ones, access healthcare and stay informed during emergencies.

“When people are excluded from digital spaces, they’re excluded from essential parts of modern life.

That’s why the NSW Digital Inclusion Strategy is so important.

“By listening to people with disability, carers and advocates, this Strategy takes an important step toward a more inclusive NSW—helping more people access digital services, stay connected, and participate safely and confidently in everyday life.”

Chair of the Australian Digital Inclusion Alliance David Spriggs stated:

“The launch of the NSW Digital Inclusion Strategy marks a critical step forward in closing the digital divide across the state. In today’s world, digital participation is not a luxury – it is essential for accessing education, employment, healthcare, community services, and government support.

“Digital inclusion is about more than just access to technology. It is about empowering people to fully participate in society and the economy. The NSW Digital Inclusion Strategy provides a clear roadmap for building a digitally capable, connected, and resilient community. We look forward to supporting the NSW Government to implement the strategy and making digital inclusion a reality for all.”

NSW Telco Authority Managing Director Kylie De Courteney stated:

“We understand how critical connectivity is, whether it’s supporting emergency services and communities in remote areas, or helping families stay online during challenging times. We’re committed to working with our partners to deliver this strategy and provide practical solutions that make a real difference in people’s lives.”

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