Better online access for remote Indigenous communities

150/04
1 September 2004

Remote Indigenous communities will gain improved access to online information and more services tailored to their needs under a program announced today by the Minister for Communications, Information Technology and the Arts, Senator Helen Coonan.

"The Australian Government has launched the Indigenous Communities Online Program as the latest initiative under its $8.3 million Telecommunications Action Plan for Remote Indigenous Communities (TAPRIC)," Senator Coonan said.

"The Indigenous Communities Online Program will create Internet based services relevant to the specific needs of remote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and increase the amount of relevant online information available to them."

Under the program, applicants must be incorporated organisations and businesses located in remote Indigenous communities or have the primary objective of providing services to such communities. Organisations that are themselves ineligible may partner eligible organisations for mutual benefit. Applicants must enlist community aid and support to properly plan and execute each project.

"This initiative highlights the Government's efforts to support online content development for remote Indigenous communities and encourage local community involvement," Senator Coonan said.

"The Australian Government launched TAPRIC in May 2002 to lay the foundations for this type of sustainable improvement to telecommunications access and use."

In addition to improved take-up and effective use of Internet services, TAPRIC provides targeted funding for a range of initiatives aimed at achieving:

• improved and sustained take-up and use of telephone services
  
• improved provision and viability of broadband services for community service delivery and community development
  
• increased awareness of telecommunications opportunities and rights.
  

TAPRIC initiatives are underpinned by a commitment to the provision of culturally appropriate information and training that emphasise the development of skills within remote Indigenous communities to maximise their access to and effective use of existing and future technologies.

For information on how to apply for the Indigenous Communities Online Program, call reverse charge on 02 6271 1567 or email tapric@dcita.gov.au.