Digital inclusion is about ensuring that all Australians can access and use digital technologies effectively.

The Australian Digital Inclusion Index (ADII or Index) uses survey data to measure digital inclusion across three dimensions of Access, Affordability and Digital Ability.

The 2023 ADII continues the longstanding reporting of digital inclusion through these three measures. Building on previous iterations of the Index, the 2023 ADII offers insight into the distribution of digital inclusion for different groups and areas of Australia over time, allowing us to pinpoint which indicators have improved, where, and for whom. From here, more tailored policies and programs can inform responses to help those experiencing digital inequalities and ensure gains from previous years are maintained. Since our 2021 report, research has offered increasing evidence that digital inequalities are both sequential and compounded, meaning the three dimensions of digital inclusion must be understood and addressed together.

Key findings:

• Digital inclusion at the national level continues to steadily improve
• There is a considerable digital gap between First Nations and non-First Nations people in Australia
• The number of Australians who are highly excluded has declined but remains substantial
• The persistent divide between capital cities and other parts of the country continues to narrow. However the Digital Ability gap, in particular, remains considerable
• Affordability has improved at a national level since 2021, however some groups experience much greater levels of affordability stress
• Digital inclusion remains closely linked to age. The gap between younger and older Australians has grown slightly, especially for Digital Ability