New funding for Indigenous Internet access

152/04
1 September 2004

Indigenous organisations in remote and regional areas that can offer public access to the Internet have a further opportunity to apply for necessary computer hardware, the Minister for Communications, Information Technology and the Arts, Senator Helen Coonan, announced today.

"The success of the initial phase of the Internet Access Program under the Australian Government's $8.3 million Telecommunications Action Plan for Remote Indigenous Communities (TAPRIC) has proven the benefits of the scheme as well as highlighted further need," Senator Coonan said.

"Remote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities in 135 locations have made successful bids for computers including peripheral equipment such as a printer, webcam, desk top display unit and user guide .

"Phase two of the Internet Access Program makes available further funds to Indigenous community organisations in remote and regional areas to purchase a limited number of equipment packages to provide public access to the Internet.

"Organisations applying for the package will also need to make an application under the Higher Bandwidth Incentive Scheme (HiBIS) for connection to a higher bandwidth service.

"The Government established HiBIS earlier this year to enable people living in regional, rural and remote areas to access broadband services at prices comparable to those prevailing in metropolitan areas."

The Australian Government launched TAPRIC in May 2002 to complement initiatives announced in response to the Regional Telecommunications (Estens) Inquiry-including HiBIS, the Coordinated Communications Infrastructure Fund and the IT training and support services funding for regional Australia.

In addition to improved take-up and effective use of Internet services, TAPRIC provides targeted funding for a range of Indigenous 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.
  

Communities interested in applying for TAPRIC funding should contact the Department of Communications, Information Technology and the Arts by phone on 02 6271 1121 o r email tapric@dcita.gov.au.