This research on digital exclusion shows internet in Australia is almost universal, but some – particularly vulnerable groups – are still missing out. The paper uses the Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia survey to gain insights into the socioeconomic characteristics of people without access to the internet. The research contributes to the evidence on digitally-excluded segments of the Australian population to help inform policies that target digital connectedness.

Key findings

• In 2024 only 2% of Australians did not have access to the internet, compared to 16% in 2010.
• Australians increasingly view the internet as an essential service.
• Over 80% of Australians were satisfied with the speed and reliability of their internet connection at home in 2020.
• Some Australians report that cost barriers are keeping them offline.
• The analysis indicates that some Australians will face multiple barriers to digital inclusion.

The report takes a closer look at the 2% of Australians without internet access who face higher rates of digital exclusion. They include:

• people aged 65 years and older
• Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples
• non-employed people
• people with disability
• rural Australians
• low income households
• people living in areas of socioeconomic disadvantage
• Australians with lower educational attainment.