The Hodgman Liberal Government is partnering with the Tasmanian Council of Social Service (TasCOSS) to form Tasmania’s Digital Inclusion Strategy.
When Tasmanians are better connected to digital services, they are healthier, safer, more productive and able to connect with local, national and international communities.
Through this unique partnership with the not-for-profit sector, TasCOSS will identify the basic missing knowledge and skills that individuals and communities need to improve their lives through access to the digital world.
The strategy will focus particularly on low income households, vulnerable and older Tasmanians, as well as people not in paid employment.
The recently released 2018 Australian Digital Inclusion Index showed an eight per cent increase in digital inclusion relative to the previous year. While this is welcome we know there is more to be done.
This is why the Hodgman Liberal Government is investing $400,000 to open up digital access to more Tasmanians, especially those facing social and economic disadvantage.
Community consultation will commence in the coming months to identify the key characteristics of low digital inclusion and locations experiencing digital disadvantage.
The findings will help us direct our efforts to maximise social and economic participation through online and mobile technologies, improving skills, enhancing quality of life, educating and promoting overall wellbeing.
A report of the findings is expected in early 2019.
This is part of the majority Hodgman Liberal Government’s long-term plan to improving the lives of all Tasmanians, helping them to live productive lives, keep pace with technology and enjoy the benefits of a growing economy.
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