Growing digital social divide could be bridged by NBN

The lack of access to online information and communication is creating a new social and economic divide in Australia, according to Tasmanian consultant Kym Goodes.

Ms Goodes, who consults in the areas of education, health and community services, is presenting on digital inclusion today at the Tasmanian Council of Social Service (TasCOSS) 2012 Conference in Hobart.

“Just as low levels of literacy severely impact on participation in the education, training, employment and economic aspects of community life, more and more, lack of access or skills to use technology is having similar dire impacts,” Ms Goodes said today.

“Australia has become a digital society. For most of us, life without access to the internet is just a distant memory, and life without a computer even more distant. Increasingly, internet access to the home is seen as an important utility in the same way that electricity and water are supplied,” Ms Goodes said.

“Research shows that those who have the highest social need often require more interaction with services but these very same people are the ones less likely to use digital platforms.”

Ms Goodes says the benefits of digital inclusion for more marginalised population groups go beyond that essential access to public services. They include:

· Enhanced self-sufficiency

· Increased access to services through e-government approaches

· Enhanced community cohesion

· Improved educational attainment

· Overcoming transport barriers

· “Just in time” support when required, rather than long waiting periods.

“As one of the first states to roll out the NBN, we have the opportunity in Tasmania to lead the nation with innovative approaches to ensuring that the benefits of high-speed broadband and the range of opportunities that they open up are shared across the Tasmanian community,” Ms Goodes said.