The Advisory Group is guided by Target 17 and Outcome 17 of the National Agreement on Closing the Gap. Target 17 aims for equal levels of digital inclusion for First Nations people by 2026. This includes ensuring that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have access to the information and services to enable participation in informed decision-making regarding their own lives.
Digital inclusion is a deeply multifaceted issue, with access, affordability and digital ability all playing a role in the extent to which First Nations people and communities are digitally included. These interact in varying and complex ways, highlighting the importance of a ‘place-based’ approach and establishing strong partnerships with local communities. This also involves understanding the individual needs of First Nations communities in all aspects of a program’s design and implementation, considering their unique wants, aspirations and environment.
The Advisory Group is also aware that designing and delivering measures to address the digital divide will be most effective when led by First Nations people and communities. As such, the Advisory Group is continually working to develop strong partnerships between governments, First Nations people, industry and the not-for-profit sector to identify areas of shared priority and opportunities for co-investment.
The Advisory Group is currently in the process of creating a long-term roadmap which will outline the path towards achieving First Nation digital inclusion through to 2026 and beyond. Members have been travelling around the country throughout the year, meeting with stakeholders and communities to help inform the roadmap. The roadmap is set to be finalised later this year, and will include a focus on the importance of place-based approaches in terms of digital inclusion and communications infrastructure.