This paper is intended to focus on trends for First Nations households and assist in interpreting the regression outputs from the affordability paper. This paper includes data on internet access and telecommunications expenditure using data from the Household Income, Labour Dynamics in Australia (HILDA) survey.

This report has been developed to contribute to the evidence base informing:

Closing the Gap Target 17: By 2026, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have equal levels of digital inclusion.

The First Nations Digital Inclusion Advisory Group (FNDIAG) who are working with community to hear their views on digital inclusion, understand local needs and support Target 17.

Key findings:

• The analysis finds improvements in telecommunications affordability and access for First Nations households. Access to the internet at home has increased while the share of disposable income spent on telecommunications has been decreasing.
• When looking at raw telecommunications expenditure (in nominal terms), households with ‘all’ First Nations members spend less than average. Between 2006 and 2021, these households spent less on telecommunications and had lower household income compared to the national average.
• Access to the internet at home has been improving for First Nations households between 2011 and 2021. The HILDA survey overestimates internet access for First Nation households as its sample excludes very remote and sparsely-populated areas (where internet access is more limited).