23 February 2007

$36.6 million to improve Indigenous telecommunications

The Minister for Communications, Information Technology and the Arts, Senator Helen Coonan, today invited remote Indigenous communities to apply for funding under the new $36.6 million Backing Indigenous Ability telecommunications program.

“Part of the $1.1 billion Connect Australia package, Backing Indigenous Ability will extend essential telecommunications services such as robust public phones, Internet access and videoconferencing facilities, to people living in remote Indigenous communities,” Senator Coonan said.
“An important element of the program will be providing funding to develop Indigenous online content.”

More than 110, 000 Indigenous Australians live in communities of up to 3500 inhabitants. Around 400 of Australia’s approximately 1200 remote Indigenous communities are estimated to be without any access to telecommunications services.

“Under Backing Indigenous Ability, priority will be given to remote communities with limited telecommunications facilities or none,” Senator Coonan said.

“Backing Indigenous Ability will provide up to 150 communities with Internet services, enabling communities to access health, education, legal, employment and welfare services more easily.

“It will also enable entrepreneurial Indigenous communities the opportunity to set up micro-businesses and commercial activities such as tourism and selling art and music.

“Communities will also receive valuable training to ensure the ongoing use and application of basic telecommunications services in Indigenous communities.”

Almost 12 months of consultation following the release of a discussion paper in 2006 has seen the development of a tailored package to target the needs of remote Indigenous communities. A number of regional agents will assist remote Indigenous communities to apply for funding and implement their projects as part of the program.

Applications for the first round of funding open today and will close on 20 April 2007. The program guidelines and application forms are available from www.dcita.gov.au/bia or from the Backing Indigenous Ability freecall line on 1800 355 014.

Requests for tender will also be issued through Austender (www.tenders.gov.au) for supply of equipment and services for the program, including Internet and videoconferencing equipment and training services.

See the attached for details of the program.

Backing Indigenous Ability telecommunications program

The Backing Indigenous Ability (BIA) telecommunications program will improve access to telecommunications services in regional and remote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. The program builds on the Telecommunications Action Plan for Remote Indigenous Communities (TAPRIC) which saw the installation of 216 robust phones throughout 124 Indigenous communities.

Remote Indigenous communities are eligible to apply for funding or services, although some funding will be reserved for allocation on a needs basis, for example as part of a Shared Responsibility Agreement.

Shared Responsibility Agreements are voluntary arrangements between Indigenous communities, governments and other parties to provide a discretionary benefit in return for community obligations. The program includes a strong training and skills development component.

The Backing Indigenous Ability telecommunications program has six elements:

1. Telephones
This part of the package will install basic telephony services such as through the provision of robust phones in remote Indigenous communities. Priority will be given to communities with no existing telecommunications infrastructure. Options for increasing the uptake of home phones in Indigenous communities are also being considered. Details on this element of the package will be announced shortly. Funding of $11.9 million until 30 June 2010 will be available under this element of the package.

2. Internet access
Indigenous communities will be able to apply for Internet access packages comprising computer(s), printer(s), webcam and software, including content filtering software.

$10, 000 per year will be provided towards running and maintenance costs until 30 June 2010. Applications will be considered on a case-by-case basis, however priority may be given to applications which demonstrate partnerships or other collaborations to prioritise Internet use for education, health, legal, employment, welfare, commerce and cultural purposes.

Applications from communities with a population of 150 people or more are invited now. Funding of $10.1 million until 30 June 2010 will be available under this element of the package.

3. Videoconferencing
Videoconferencing is a useful, culturally appropriate service-delivery vehicle which overcomes the language and literacy barriers inherent in written communication and reduces the need for travel to access services.

Approximately 16 remote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities of more than 150 people will be supplied with videoconferencing facilities. Communities will be required to meet ongoing and running costs.

Applications from remote Indigenous communities with a population of 150 people or more are invited now. Funding of $0.3 million until 30 June 2010 will be available under this element of the package.

4. Training and skills development
Training in information technology, including nationally accredited training where available, will be offered to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in remote communities of any size. Training may include basic IT skills and use of technology, as well as IT business skills. Applications from remote Indigenous communities of any size are invited now. Funding of $5.8 million until 30 June 2010 will be available under this element of the package.

5. Indigenous online content
Funding will be available to enable communities to develop Indigenous content, build community websites and web portals, add transaction capabilities to existing sites, and provide useful information in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages.

Applications from remote Indigenous communities of any size are invited now. Funding of $2.6 million until 30 June 2010 will be available under this element of the package.

6. Regional agents
Regional agents covering eight remote regions will be appointed by tender to optimise Backing Indigenous Ability telecommunications program outcomes. Regional agents will inform community representatives about the program, assist them to prepare applications and implement projects, and coordinate the initiatives with other Connect Australia programs. A request for tender will be issued shortly. Funding of $1.2 million until 30 June 2010 will be available under this element of the package.

Media Contact: Jane McMillan - 0438 690 305
www.minister.dcita.gov.au