Page 4335 - Week 10 - Wednesday, 22 September 2010
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and that those without such technological access will be left behind as the information poor. In Canberra, such vulnerable groups include people from low income households, people with a disability, people who are ageing, people from diverse backgrounds, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, women, children and young people. For such people, in households without the kind of broadband access that many of us take for granted, there is no level playing field.
While the NBN will be available for every home in Canberra, some people on low incomes may find it difficult to afford internet access or may be without an internet capable device or computer. This government wants such people to enjoy access to the internet and provides free access to public facilities such as libraries and schools—and through its support of community organisations. For example, the Women’s Referral and Information Centre in Civic recently received new computers for the use of community members. While the NBN will enable greater access to high speed internet, we must continue to be vigilant in facilitating this access.
The NBN is not simply about enabling us to download a 40-gigabyte blu-ray quality movie at the click of a button; the NBN will support my department’s strategic plans now and into the future. The strategic plan for positive ageing 2010-14 commits to the development of an online seniors information portal, to provide information on seniors services in the ACT. The strategic plan also commits to assisting seniors who wish to increase their technical skills through the provision of training on information communication technology. The ACT young people’s plan 2009-14 recognises that most young people use online technologies to access information and connect with friends. The plan seeks to increase the amount of information available, to assist young people to make informed decisions about services available to meet their needs. The internet has an important role in ensuring that all young people have access to this information.
The ACT children’s plan 2010-14 acknowledges the importance of providing opportunities for children to influence decisions about their lives and communities, and the plan commits to the establishment of online feedback mechanisms, to ensure the concerns of children are heard and responded to in the delivery of the children’s program and services in the ACT. The ACT multicultural strategy 2010-13 notes that translated information on services and supports is needed for people from multicultural backgrounds. While we currently offer a multicultural e-news bulletin and an ACT multicultural community directory online, I can only begin to imagine the opportunity for automated translation services that high speed broadband may deliver.
The ACT women’s plan 2010-15 highlights the fact that women often experience difficulties in balancing employment and caring responsibilities. Flexible working conditions, including the ability to work from home, can assist women to remain in the workforce and reduce economic disadvantage. The internet also provides a valuable way of preventing social isolation for women, particularly those involved in caring responsibilities.
Future directions: towards challenge 2014 seeks to ensure that people living with a disability have access to information and support, to assist them to participate in the
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