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Thousands of South Australians still missing out on digital inclusion

Today’s launch of the 2023 Australian Digital Inclusion Index  (ADII) shows South Australia continues to make progress compared to the rest of the country – but much remains to be done.

The ADII measures if Australians can access and use digital technologies effectively across three main categories: Access, Affordability and Digital Ability. 

Its major findings for South Australia include:

  • Approximately 132,000 South Australian adults are classified as ‘highly excluded’ (based on the national average of 9.4%)
     
  • South Australia is beginning to catch up in the overall index (the three main categories of Access, Affordability and Digital Ability combined), with the gap between SA and the national average down to just 1.2 percentage points. However, SA still ranks in the bottom third of states and territories, above only Tasmania and the NT. 
     
  • South Australia has closed the gap completely in the Affordability category and has the same level as the national average
     
  • Concerningly SA still trails the national average in Access and Digital Ability by 2.0 and 2.9 percentage points respectively

The ADII is released biennially in a partnership between Telstra, the ARC Centre of Excellence for Decision-Making and Society, and RMIT and Swinburne Universities.

Quotes attributable to SACOSS CEO Ross Womersley

“Digital inclusion is a crucial way to prevent poverty. The ADII continues to show that there are winners and losers when it comes to digital access, affordability and ability.

“What we do know is that being excluded or remaining unconnected from the digital world almost certainly means you will struggle to participate fully in today’s social, economic and civil society.

“This reduces your opportunities on so many fronts: getting an education, connecting to vital government or business services, finding a job, staying in contact with loved ones, or consulting a health provider.

“We urgently need a comprehensive plan from our state and federal governments to ensure no-one in our community misses out.

“This year’s Index shows that digital inclusion increases with education, employment and income. For example, there’s a gap between of nearly 29 percentage points in the overall digital inclusion index between those in the top 20% of income and those in the lowest 20%.

“First Nations communities also have lower rates of digital inclusion, and we welcome the focus of this year’s report on how Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples continue to be affected.

“SACOSS is already working with the Local Government Association through its Keys to the Digital World project to examine how South Australians, particularly those in regional communities, are coping with the increasing trend of services and other essential activities moving online. We hope to report on our findings by the end of this year.”

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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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SACOSS acknowledges the traditional owners of unceded country throughout South Australia, and recognises their continuing connection to lands, waters and culture. We recognise the sovereignty and cultural authority of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, and pay our respect to elders both past and present.

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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.