Australian Human Rights Commission - The Digital Divide

Published 1st November 2013

RightsTalk

The Australian Human Rights Commission invites you to come along to RightsTalk next Thursday - November 7th - on trying to ensure all Australians have access to the Internet.

The internet has become intertwined with everything we do, including how we access the news and information, goods and services and how we communicate with each other.

For many of us, access isn't a problem. But what happens if you can't get online? What if you couldn't physically tap into the network, afford to pay for the services, or find digital content that is accessible and readable?

Well, that's exactly what we'll be talking about at our next Rights Talk event on November 7 and we'd like you to come along and join the discussion. The Disability Discrimination Commissioner Graeme Innes will be chairing the panel event at our headquarters in Sydney.

Without internet access and sufficient levels of digital literacy, there is a real danger that some people are going to be left behind.  And some people are already being left behind.

The digital divide is a serious issue for many people – in particular for older Australians, people with disabilities, and people in remote communities including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People.

But the issues of access, confidence and security do not just affect older people in Australia and people with disability, but can impact on people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds and those from lower socio-economic backgrounds who cannot always individually afford access to these technologies or training to use them.

The panel will be discussing the right for all to access the internet as well as new technology, the NBN, cyber security and solutions to the great digital divide.

The panel includes:
*  Natalie Collins, Deputy Chief Executive, Media Access Australia
*  Bruce Maguire, Policy and Public Affairs Advisor, Vision Australia
*  Dr Peter Radoll, Acting Director of the Ngunnawal Indigenous Higher Education Centre and Assistant Professor in Information Systems, University of Canberra
*  Nan Bosler, President, Australian Seniors Computer Clubs Association

Date: Thursday November 7, 2013.

Time: 12.30pm - 2:00pm.

Location: Australian Human Rights Commission, Level 3, 175 Pitt St, Sydney NSW 2000

Cost: Free!

RSVP: So, what are you waiting for? Get registered here.