Media Release

Closing the gap: remote Indigenous internet access

The Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy, Senator Stephen Conroy, today welcomed the signing of a new agreement that will bring improved internet access and basic computer training to remote Indigenous communities.

"The Council of Australian Governments has endorsed a National Partnership Agreement that will provide public internet access facilities to remote Indigenous communities and help to close the gap in Indigenous disadvantage," Senator Conroy said.

"Improving public access to the internet in remote Indigenous communities was a key recommendation of the Glasson Review into regional telecommunications and I am delighted that the Commonwealth, states and the Northern Territory have agreed to work together on this important initiative."

The Australian Government is providing $6.97 million over four years to participating states and the Northern Territory to build on existing infrastructure that will improve public access to the internet and provide training to assist communities to develop basic skills in computer and internet use.

The National Partnership Agreement on Remote Indigenous Public Internet Access will allow the states and the Northern Territory to develop tailored solutions that meet the needs of their remote communities.

"The Australian Government agrees with the collaborative approach recommended by the Glasson Review. In response, we have established a framework that allows state and territory governments to utilise their expertise and close links with communities to achieve the best outcomes," Senator Conroy said.

Delivery of internet access and training services to remote Indigenous communities is expected to begin in early 2010, following the development of implementation plans with participating state and territory governments.

This National Partnership Agreement, which is funded through the Australian Government's Indigenous Communications Program, is part of a coordinated national approach to closing the gap in Indigenous disadvantage. A focus of this approach is on breaking down the social and economic isolation of Indigenous people.

"The internet is becoming an increasingly important tool for communication, education, and economic opportunity throughout Australia and around the world," Senator Conroy said.

"Enabling Indigenous people who live in remote parts of Australia to realise the benefits of this technology will give them additional opportunities to participate in contemporary Australian economic, political and social life."

Further information on the Indigenous Communications Program is available at www.dbcde.gov.au, email icp@dbcde.gov.au or freecall 1800 355 014.

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Date: Thursday, 2 July 2009
Contact: Tim Marshall 0408 258 457