MEDIA RELEASE
12 October 2023
ADIA and Future Skills Organisation welcome the recognition of a digital capability common language in the Government’s Employment White Paper
Championing digital capability for all Australians
12 October 2023 (Updated) - The Australian Digital Inclusion Alliance (ADIA) and the Future Skills Organisation (FSO) welcome the Australian Government’s recognition of the Australian Digital Capability Framework (ADCF) as Australia’s national common language on digital capability.
As outlined in Working Future: The Australian Government’s White Paper on Jobs and Opportunities, the ADCF describes the broad digital capabilities required by the Australian workforce:
This will create a common language and collaboration on the implementation of digital skills for the VET reform pathways and help build the digital capability of the nation’s workforce. Using common, easily understood language, and a simple, intuitive structure, the Framework is helping to align and strengthen a wide variety of efforts to build the digital capability of the nation’s workforce (Working Future p. 208).
The recognition of the ADCF echoes the calls of both the ADIA and FSO, who have been jointly advocating for the adoption of the ADCF – extended to cover the most foundational digital capabilities – as Australia’s common language around what it means to be digitally capable.
The ADIA and FSO are proposing a program of work focused on uplifting digital capability in Australia including collaborative work with a range of stakeholders, seeking to gain consensus on a Digital Capability Benchmark for access to work, learning and life, anchored in the ADCF. Articulating this common benchmark will be critical in galvanising efforts across a range of organisations and sectors to significantly improve on current levels of digital ability.
ADIA Convenor, Ishtar Vij, said the Government’s recognition of the ADCF was a significant step in bridging the digital divide:
“In 2020 the ADIA published a National Digital Inclusion Roadmap which identified that while a lot of good work was happening in the sector, efforts were fragmented, uncovering over 100 different digital inclusion programs.”
“The lack of a common language around digital capability was found to be a significant barrier to progress, and this presents an opportunity to align efforts and measure success” Ms Vij said.
FSO CEO, Patrick Kidd, added:
“With a projected 370,000 digital worker shortfall for Australia by 2026, uplifting digital capability must be a national priority right across the spectrum, from those taking their first steps into the digitally enabled world, right through to those making up the pipeline of talent required for technical roles”.
Organisations and individuals wishing to be involved in stakeholder consultation are invited to sign up at: https://www.futureskillsorganisation.com.au/digitalcapability
ENDS
About the ADIA
The Australian Digital Inclusion Alliance (ADIA) is a shared initiative with over 500 business, government, academic and community organisations working together to accelerate action on digital inclusion. Our member organisations conduct a variety of research and practical programs aimed at reducing the digital divide and enabling greater social and economic participation for all Australians. The ADIA is supported by Infoxchange, Google, Telstra and TasNetworks. Australia Post was also a founding partner.
The ADIA’s vision is to build a digitally inclusive Australia where everyone is equipped to fully participate in the economy and society. Being digitally included means a person has:
Affordable access to quality internet and appropriate devices.
Access to inclusively designed online content, that’s readable and accessible, including if they are differently abled or from culturally or linguistically diverse backgrounds.
The knowledge, ability, skills and confidence to complete tasks safely and securely online.
Find out more at www.digitalinclusion.org.au
About the Future Skills Organisation
The Future Skills Organisation (FSO) is the Jobs and Skills Council for Australia’s Finance, Technology and Business sectors, funded by the Australian Government through the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations. FSO’s mission is to advance transferable and industry-specific skills in the finance, technology and business sectors. Through close collaboration with industry, unions, training providers and the government, FSO works collectively to benefit both employees and employers. Find out more at www.futureskillsorganisation.com.au
Media enquiry
Adelaide Haynes, Akin Agency
0477 601 188