Digital Capability in Australia: Unpacking digital preparedness for access to work, learning and life

In today and tomorrow’s Australia, digital capability remains a key foundational skill set that enables every person to participate in the digital economy irrespective of where they live, where they come from or what they do. Yet, 9.4% of the national population remains highly digitally excluded, and an additional 14.2% are digitally excluded. Taken together, almost one quarter of Australians remain digitally excluded (23.6%).

Many more would have further opportunities available to them if they were to improve their level of digital capability.

Jointly, the Australian Digital Inclusion Alliance (ADIA) and Future Skills Organisation (FSO) have been working toward a national common language around digital capability, and, building on this, a common benchmark that articulates the minimum level of capability that all Australians must be supported to achieve in order to access the opportunities associated with modern work, learning and life. Together, when applied across society and the economy, these have the capacity to galvanise efforts to lift digital capability, provide a level to measure against, and aim toward.

Moderated by Infoxchange CEO and ADIA Chair, David Spriggs, join us for an in-depth discussion on the challenges and opportunities of digital capability in Australia, and hear about the ADIA/FSO approach to addressing this issue. Q&A to follow the discussion.

Date: Wednesday 20 September, 2023
Time: 12:30 pm - 2:00 pm (AEST)
Location: Online

A link to attend will be sent the morning of the event.

About the Panel
Speakers will include:

Ishtar Vij, Convenor, Australian Digital Inclusion Alliance
Patrick Kidd, CEO, Future Skills Organisation
Emma Rice, Senior Advisor, Learning and Teaching, TAFE Queensland

About the ADIA

The Australian Digital Inclusion Alliance (ADIA) is a shared initiative with over 500 business, government, academic and community organisations working together to accelerate action on digital inclusion. Our member organisations conduct a variety of research and practical programs aimed at reducing the digital divide and enabling greater social and economic participation for all Australians. The ADIA is supported by Infoxchange, Google, Telstra and TasNetworks. Australia Post was also a founding partner.

The ADIA’s vision is to build a digitally inclusive Australia where everyone is equipped to fully participate in the economy and society. Being digitally included means a person has:

Affordable access to quality internet and appropriate devices.
Access to inclusively designed online content, that’s readable and accessible, including if they are differently abled or from culturally or linguistically diverse backgrounds.
The knowledge, ability, skills and confidence to complete tasks safely and securely online.

Visit: https://www.digitalinclusion.org.au/

About the FSO

The Future Skills Organisation is a Jobs and Skills Council funded by the Australian Government Department of Employment and Workplace Relations. The FSO’s mission is: Through close collaboration with industry and other stakeholders, we work collectively to grow Australia’s pool of finance, technology, and business talent to benefit all industries.
Visit: www.futureskillsorganisation.com.au