Digital connectivity is now regarded as a must-have service to participate in society, and digital exclusion reinforces social and economic disadvantage. Given the changing nature of work and industry, the potential risks in the future from a growing digital divide are likely to become more serious.
The Australian Digital Inclusion Index measures digital access, affordability and digital ability and gives each area a score out of 100.
Australia's least digitally included regions are located in regional areas: Eyre (45.0), south east South Australia (48.6), north Victoria (50.8), and Murray and Murrumbidgee (51.0).89
This topic is covered in more detail in the Telecommunications and digital chapter.
It is clear the essential service needs of people living in Australia's remote communities are not always being met because there is not the infrastructure to support them. This disadvantages these communities and creates an inequitable divide between them and the rest of Australia.
Tackling many of these challenges will take a coordinated effort across all levels of government.