To help the state improve digital inclusion and support to those hardest hit by the economic effects of COVID.
Queensland is ranked second-worst in the country n the most recent Australian Digital Inclusion Index (ADII), the digital access gap between high and low-income Queenslanders, as well as those employed and those not in the workforce, continues to widen.
This year the organisation has already coordinated hundreds of donated laptops, computers, smartphones and data cards. However, Queensland Manager, Jo Beadle said many more are needed to meet the demand across the state.
“Whether you live in Mt Isa or Coolangatta, all Queenslanders need the internet to manage their health and wellbeing, access education and services, organise their finances and feel connected with friends, family and the world during these difficult times.”
The ADII report details that low-income households and persons not in the workforce are more than 40% disadvantaged when it comes to digital inclusion – meaning it’s harder for them to access and use the internet, and when they do it is much more expensive.
The digital inclusion gap is highest across those undertaking any form of education, those with disabilities, migrant communities, the elderly, rural communities as well as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Across Australia, women are also less digitally included than men.
The Queensland government has tasked the organisation to lead coordination if IT donations across the state for those impacted by COVID-19, through GIVIT’s online warehouse.
The Queensland Government has tasked GIVIT to lead the coordination of IT donations across the state for those impacted by COVID-19, through GIVIT’s ‘online warehouse’.
