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Digital inclusion: regional SA lags behind Adelaide & national regions

MEDIA RELEASE: SACOSS today released summary data on digital inclusion by regional area for South Australia, based on the recently-released 2021 Australian Digital Inclusion Index.

The data shows that South Australia lags behind the national average for digital inclusion by 2.1 points, and regional South Australia is less included than Adelaide, with almost all regional local government areas scoring below the state average. Regional SA is also less digitally included than non-metro areas nationally.

In 2021, for the first time the ADII models the level of digital inclusion by Local Government Area (LGA) based on demographic patterns. The results show that, with its high employment and income levels, and relatively younger population, Roxby Downs is likely to be the most digitally included place in the state.

However, Roxby Downs is the only LGA outside of the greater Adelaide area that is above the state average as most regional areas struggle with digital inclusion.

“Digital inclusion is important in general because commerce, employment, education, social interactions and government services and information are all online, so being online is necessary to fully participate in society,” said SACOSS CEO Ross Womersley.

“In regional South Australia it is increasingly essential and basic because digital technology can help overcome social isolation and distance from all sorts of vital services and markets.”

“The lower regional scores are not simply about poor services or network gaps. They are also crucially about social access and ability to utilise digital technology, so areas with lower incomes, higher levels of unemployment or older populations are likely to be the most digitally excluded.”

“While the Adelaide LGA scores are higher than regional South Australia, it is important to remember that, as a whole, South Australia is still behind the national average – something that urgently needs to be addressed if we want our state to prosper with no one left behind.”

“We know the SA government recognises this problem and we welcome the fact that they are now working on a state digital inclusion strategy. However, to continue to improve our digital inclusion will require more than just a strategy, it will require a long-term investment of resources to make it happen,” Mr Womersley stated.

For a model of what digital inclusion looks like in SA, and some SACOSS proposals of how to get there, go to our Digital Inclusion page.

About the The Australian Digital Inclusion Index

The ADII is put together by academics from RMIT and Swinburne University on behalf of Telstra and scores online access, affordability and digital ability against an ideal of someone with all the attributes to digital inclusion (score = 100).

Additional Information:

Local Government LGA Scores: Digital Inclusion in South Australia: Regional Data
SACOSS Fact Sheet: Digital Inclusion in South Australia: Regional Data

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08 8305 4222

sacoss@sacoss.org.au

Marjorie Black House
47 King William Road Unley SA 5061

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MICHELE WACHLA

Michele is an accomplished social services professional with a dual background in Social Work and Business, bringing over 18 years of experience to her work. She has developed a deep understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities within Regional, Rural, and Remote (RRR) environments, particularly in South Australia. Michele is a recognised leader, known for her expertise in designing and implementing place-based initiatives that address the complexities of RRR communities. Her work is underpinned by strategic planning, effective resourcing, and a strong focus on policy review and advocacy to ensure that services remain relevant, equitable, and sustainable. Michele’s commitment to community-centred approaches drives meaningful outcomes, nurturing resilience, and growth across regional South Australia.

KHATIJA THOMAS

DAVE ADAMSON

Dave moved to Australia following a 30-year academic career in the UK. He has since worked in the Community Housing sector and authored the 2016 Towards a National Housing Strategy, and helped to establish the Everybody’s Home campaign. He also researches the interface between poverty and climate change and actively supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. He has worked with government at all levels and has experience of policy development and evaluation. He is co-author of Sustainable Places: Addressing Social Inequality and Environmental Crisis (2022, Routledge). In his spare time he plays and builds guitars.

ROHAN FEEGRADE

Rohan is an experienced and forward-thinking CEO, senior executive and board director with demonstrated expertise across the not-for-profit, private and government sectors. Currently CEO of Lutheran Care, he has proven record for creating substantial organisational, stakeholder and client value, and has extensive experience in strategically positioning organisations for transformational change and growth within the health, disability, education and community service sectors. Rohan is a socially responsible professional, genuinely passionate about creating opportunities for people who live with disadvantage and disability, always acting ethically to serve those he works with and for.

JANE MUSSARED

Jane has worked in for purpose and government health and human service settings throughout her career. In June 2024 she returned to SA and joined the Maggie Beer Foundation as CEO following 20 months based in Canberra as an Advisor to the Federal Minister for Health and Aged Care. Previously she was Chief Executive of COTA SA and before that an executive of ACH Group. Jane served on a range of boards and committees prior to moving to Canberra, including the SACOSS Policy Council until 2022, as chair of the South Australian Circus Centre and as a non-Executive Director with the Maggie Beer Foundation.

NANCY PENNA

Nancy has than 30 years of experience in South Australian community services, and a a unique understanding of the political and social landscape and the issues and opportunities facing South Australia. Currently responsible for the strategic and operational oversight of AnglicareSA’s community services portfolio, she has previously held executive roles in government within child protection and disability, with her executive experience underpinned by her earlier career as a social worker in child protection and youth justice. She is also Chair of the Child and Family Focus South Australia (CAFFSA) Board and most recently on the Housing Security for Older Women Taskforce.

NICOLE CHAPLIN

Nicole is a dedicated and experienced youth support professional, specialising in solutions for disadvantaged young people in South Australia. As CEO of St John’s Youth Services, she oversees innovative programs like youth110 and Foyer Port Adelaide. With over thirty years in the community sector, Nicole has built extensive networks and her expertise spans governance, service delivery, policy development, and partnerships. Recognised with the 2018 AHI Inspirational Leader Award, Nicole is an active participant in housing and homelessness networks. She holds leadership roles in various organisations, including Anglicare Australia’s National Reconciliation Network.

EMMA CROSBY

Emma is a chartered Accountant with more than 15 years experience as a board member, finance and business professional, strategic advisor and company secretary. She has strong values and a passion for enabling and leading organisations to meet its operational and strategic direction through long-term financial sustainability, operational efficiency, innovation, leadership, transformation and partnerships. As Treasurer and Board member at SACOSS, she is committed to successfully leading and making a purposeful impact to the organisation and its stakeholders.

David PANTER

David has worked in health and social care for almost 45 years, over half of which has been as a Chief Executive. In the UK he initially worked in the NHS and more latterly in local government, where he was Chief Executive of Brighton & Hove City Council. In 2004 David was recruited to the South Australian public health system for over 10 years leading reforms including the development of the new Royal Adelaide Hospital. From 2015-2022 David was the Chief Executive of not-for-profit aged care provider ECH. At the end of January 2022 David became the Chief Executive at Minda, SA’s largest provider of services to people living with an intellectual disability.