Turbocharging Australia’s digital capability

While society and the economy are rapidly digitising, many Australians continue to face digital exclusion due to affordability, knowledge, and access issues.

23.6% of Australians were considered digitally excluded in 2023, according to the Australian Digital Inclusion Index 2023.

Ishtar Vij, Convenor, Australian Digital Inclusion Alliance (ADIA) says:

“Every worker now needs digital skills, and the opportunity of a digitally skilled population is considerable. It will increase productivity and enables people to access new career pathways.”

Digital inclusion refers to the capability of individuals to access affordable devices and internet access, navigate online services, and leverage the internet's benefits.

The 2023 Intergenerational Report states that the expanded use of digital and data technology is one of the “five biggest forces that will shape our economy over the coming decades.”

BARRIERS TO DIGITAL INCLUSION

Affordability, accessibility, and digital ability remain key challenges.

“We know that those experiencing digital exclusion, including in relation to their digital capability level, are groups already facing barriers to education and employment: First Nations Australians, those with a disability, living in public housing, who've not completed schooling, senior Australians.

“The Measuring What Matters Framework released by Treasury in August 2023 identifies Digital Preparedness as a key indicator of a Prosperous Australia. It is critical that we bring everyone along with us,” says Ishtar.

DIGITAL CAPABILITY FOR WORK, LEARNING AND LIFE

The ADIA are proposing the adoption of the Australian Digital Capability Framework (ADCF) as Australia’s national common language around what it means to be digitally capable.

This can be used to support all Australians to develop the digital skills necessary to meaningfully access work, learning, and life.

“If we are to create an environment where organisations can employ workers who are appropriately skilled to be part of their increasing digitalisation, where Australia is at the forefront of creating, adopting and adapting to leading edge technologies, where Australians can connect and access services and opportunities that are increasingly available online, we must empower all the organisations working across the diverse population groups, across the continuum of digital capabilities, to communicate and collaborate,” says Ishtar.

“We need an environment where an individual can say: ‘Hey, my digital capability is at a level 3 but I want this job that’s advertised as a level 5, I’m going to find a training course that is designed to take me from a 3 to a 5;’ where individuals, employers, training providers, community organisations with skilling offerings are all ‘talking the same language’.”

Ishtar believes that addressing the digital divide requires a coordinated effort across government, private, and community sectors, as noted by the Business Council of Australia’s Seize the Moment report:

“Australia needs to move away from its fragmented system of education, skills and training and move towards a coherent system of lifelong learning, that is flexible and responsive to a changing economy.”

“By adopting a national common language around digital capability, and a benchmark for what it means to be digitally capable for access to work, learning and life, we can create more opportunities for more Australians more quickly,” Ishtar adds.