Thursday 6 September 2007
Better access to online services for NT, SA and WA Indigenous communities
The Minister for Communications, Information Technology and the Arts, Senator the Hon Helen Coonan, today announced funding of $1.5 million for 24 projects across the NT, SA and WA under the $36.6 million Backing Indigenous Ability telecommunications program.
“This program is part of the $1.1 billion Connect Australia package and seeks to address deficiencies in telecommunications services, particularly in remote and very remote Indigenous communities .”
Senator Coonan said these projects will provide remote Indigenous communities with access to computers and the Internet as well as videoconferencing facilities.
“It will also give the communities opportunities for training and to develop Indigenous online content.
“The Government wants to ensure that remote Indigenous communities have the same telecommunications access and opportunities as other Australians.”
Communities that have been disadvantaged by a lack of telecommunications resources will now have better access to health, education, legal and employment services online.
“Services such as online banking, important when you are 400 kilometres from the nearest town, will now be possible through the installation of publicly accessible computers and basic computer training,” said Senator Coonan.
“Importantly, all computers provided through the BIA telecommunications program will have appropriate filters installed and be audited to help ensure they are not used to access inappropriate content and that any such content is removed.”
The Kaltukatjara Community Council Aboriginal Corporation, which is located south west of Alice Springs near the NT/WA border, put in a successful application for the program’s Internet access, Videoconferencing, Training and Indigenous online content elements.
“Along with equipment and training for the communities, the Kaltukatjara Community Council will use the full power of the Internet to develop a community website providing access to government and non-government organisations and individuals, along with all the functional departments of the Council,” Senator Coonan said.
The Milingimbi community in North East Arnhem Land will receive equipment and funding to assist with operating four computer packages, a stand alone videoconferencing unit and training. Once experience is gained in the equipment’s use by the community, there will be flow-on benefits in areas such as health and education.
Program applicants were able to apply for one or more program elements according to their needs: Internet access, videoconferencing, IT training and Indigenous online content development. A second call for applications will be made shortly, and eligible applicants not funded under round one are encouraged to reapply. Further information on the program is at www.dcita.gov.au/bia or by calling 1800 355 014.
Media Contact: Katherine Meier 0417 441 141