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Access to and the ability to effectively use information and communications technologies (ICT) to obtain information and services are becoming increasingly important to fully participate in contemporary Australian economic, political and social life.

The global consensus on the positive contribution of ICT to economic and social developments is rising. The role of ICT highlights the major social impacts they have on the way people conduct their daily activities in work, education, health, at home and in the community. ICT has changed the way people view and use information and services, and how relationships are formed and how people interact.

A discussion paper exploring issues with the Role of ICT Building Communities and Social Capital has been released and is available for comment.

Australia's Strategic Framework for the Information Economy 2004-2006 acknowledges that a strategic priority is to ensure that all Australians have the capabilities, networks and tools to participate in the benefits of the information economy (digital inclusion) and that particular groups of Australians are not marginalised (sometimes referred to as the 'digital divide').

Successful participation in the information economy by all sectors of the Australian economy and society is an imperative for two reasons:

• More participation leads to greater efficiency and productivity growth.  If critical mass is achieved, then costs fall for both customers and investors, attracting participation and establishing a virtuous cycle of investment and demand;
• More participation leads to greater equity and social inclusion, and increased individual capacity and opportunity to achieve economic and social goals.

The Australian Government's associated strategy to achieve this priority is to develop the networks and capabilities needed by people living in regional communities, indigenous Australians, older Australians, people with disabilities and others facing economic or social barriers to participation in the information economy.

Australia's Strategic Framework for the Information Economy 2004-2006 also acknowledges that successful participation in the information economy depends on people having the necessary confidence and trust to access technology and possessing the ICT literacy skills to be effective users of ICT.

Contact details

Manager, Community Connectivity
Email: community.connectivity@dcita.gov.au

• Document ID: 17037 |
• Last modified: 6 February 2008, 10:06am