Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull announced that a re-elected Coalition Government will invest $50 million to improve the digital literacy of senior Australians and improve their safety online.
Turnbull said, “We will develop a digital inclusion and online safety strategy for senior Australians.”
According to Turnbull the digital literacy strategy will complement existing programmes and draw on the expertise and knowledge of the community sector to develop an appropriate package of support to improve the digital literacy and safety of seniors online.
Turnbull added ,”Like many Australians, face-to-face contact remains an important form of engagement for seniors. But the convenience of technology provides an additional avenue to keep senior Australians connected, especially to family and friends.
“We will ensure senior Australians who have access to existing devices will be supported to learn how to take full advantage to keep in touch and stay connected,” Turnbull said.
Smart devices provide unparalleled opportunities for older Australians to continue to participate fully in our society. They provide opportunities for grandparents to stay connected to their families and grandchildren, and older Australians to retain their independence.
Turnbull said, “We will leverage existing community infrastructure such as libraries, retirement villages, community centres, CWA halls, and aged care facilities to support senior Australians develop the confidence and skills they need to use their smart device and stay connected.”
Turnbull said, “this may include:
- Smart device training, delivered in partnership with existing organisations
- Small technology grants for libraries, aged care facilities, retirement villages and community centres to purchase equipment like smart devices (modelled on the existing volunteer grants funded by the Department of Social Services)
- Measures to ensure older Australians are safe online