PROJECT SUMMARY
Australian Digital Inclusion Index
Focus Areas: News & Media, Social Services, Mobilities, Health
Status: Active
Digital inclusion is about ensuring that all Australians can access and use digital technologies effectively. We are experiencing an accelerating digital transformation in many aspects of economic and social life. Our premise is that everyone should have the opportunity to benefit from digital technologies: to manage their health, access education and services, participate in cultural activities, organise their finances, follow news and media, and connect with family, friends, and the wider world.
The Australian Digital Inclusion Index (ADII or “Index”) uses survey data to measure digital inclusion across three dimensions of Access, Affordability and Digital Ability. We explore how these dimensions vary across the country and across different social groups.
In partnership with Telstra and through biennial data collections presented through reports and data visualisation dashboards, the ADII is capturing and communicating the evolving state of digital inclusion in Australia. This is complemented by aligned sub-projects with local, state and federal government departments and community partners to drill down into specific digital inclusion challenges for social groups or geographical regions of interest.
A detailed measure of digital inclusion for Australia allows us to identify the critical barriers to inclusion. These may be related to accessing networks, the costs of devices or data, or skills and literacies. Through these measures, the Index shapes digital equity policy and initiatives, research, and practice to increase digital inclusion in Australia.
ADII AND RURAL WOMEN ONLINE
In 2024 the ADM+S Australian Digital Inclusion Index team are partnering with the Victorian Women’s Trust for Rural Women Online, a series of free, public events designed in consultation with community representatives to develop digital skills and confidence for women living in regional Victoria.
The programs, taking place in Shepparton and Yackandandah, feature hands-on workshops, drop-in digital support services and presentations from local organisations to develop digital literacy skills.
Established in 1985, the Victorian Women’s Trust (VWT) is a proudly independent feminist organisation which supports women, girls and gender diverse people through social change projects and campaigns, thought-provoking events, mentorship opportunities, and grants for vital grassroots projects.
The ADII research team is collaborating with the Victorian Women’s Trust to study the impact of the program and its ability to help close the gap of digital inclusion in regional areas.
The research team will conduct interviews and support participants in completing surveys to evaluate their experience.
Central to the methodology of the ADII, citizens’ feedback is crucial in determining the impact of initiatives aimed at improving digital inclusion, and identifying areas that need improvement.
MORE INFORMATION
The Australian Digital Inclusion Index uses data from the ADM+S project, Mapping the Digital Gap. Learn more from the project brief below.
PUBLICATIONS
Uncovering the digital divide in the Western Parkland City
ADM+S, Telstra, NSW Government, Sydney’s Parkland Councils
Measuring Australia’s Digital Divide: 2023 Australian Digital Inclusion Index
ADM+S and Telstra
Australian Digital Inclusion Index: Measuring Digital Inclusion in North-East Victorian SMEs Summary Findings Brief, 2022
Thomas, J., Parkinson, S., et al.