The COVID-19 pandemic has underlined the critical importance of digital inclusion in contemporary Australia. The Australian Digital Inclusion Index (ADII) was first published in 2016. This edition provides the most comprehensive picture of Australia’s online participation to date.

Australia is digitising, with the COVID-19 pandemic accelerating the pace of every-day activities moving online. It is becoming increasingly critical that all Australians are digitally included so they can participate in all aspects of society and have the skills to complete tasks confidently and safely.

This policy paper explores the role and value of ‘digital minilateralism’. Minilaterals are small, trust-based, knowledge creating and sharing, innovation-oriented networks. Digital minilateralism describes those minilateral networks both committed to digital governance and using ‘digital’ culture, practices, processes and technologies as tools to advance peer learning, support and cooperation between governments.

This report shows that while most Australian adults are confident in their ability to use online technologies, they are less confident about how to manage specific online risks. Notably, most adults see the need for online safety information, yet few search for or receive it.

This guide offers a framework for a multiyear, cross-industry programme to shape policymaking and accelerate action in the new normal. It presents three innovative strategies for public and private sector leaders to enable greater digital inclusion for the world's economies and societies.