Ministers for the Department of Industry, Science and Resources
The Albanese Government is ensuring recycled tech devices get into the hands of Australians who need them most through the Tech Reuse for Good Charter, signed today by the Assistant Minister for Science, Technology and the Digital Economy, Andrew Charlton.
The initiative, led by the Business Council of Australia, WorkVentures and Good Things Australia, and in partnership with the Australian Government, is an important step forward in supporting digital inclusion.
Each year, businesses retire large numbers of devices, often well before the end of life. Yet one in five Australians experience digital exclusion, with a lack of access to digital devices remaining a barrier to getting online and participating in the digital world.
The Charter is a voluntary, principles-based initiative that encourages organisations to reduce their electronic waste by donating surplus digital devices well before the end of their practical life.
Many businesses, not-for-profit organisations and the Australian Government have signed onto the Charter and agreed to build a coordinated and scalable tech reuse ecosystem to ensure all Australians can participate in the opportunities created by the digital economy.
By refurbishing and redistributing these devices, the Charter will help improve access to education, employment, healthcare and essential services for Australians experiencing digital exclusion, particularly families on low incomes, students, First Nations Australians and survivors of domestic violence.
The initiative complements the National Device Reuse Principles, which provide federal, state and territory governments with a nationally consistent framework for donating and reusing devices while meeting legislative and policy requirements, and also represents further progress on the recommendations in the First Nations Digital Inclusion Roadmap: 2026 and Beyond.
The Commonwealth Department of Industry, Science and Resources is a founding signatory to the Tech Reuse for Good Charter, supporting its implementation, demonstrating Commonwealth leadership and encouraging participation across industry, government and the not-for-profit sector.
The Australian Government acknowledges the significant efforts of the founding members below:
- Aussie Broadband
- Deloitte
- KPMG
- NBN Co
- Optus
- TasNetworks
- Telstra
- Telstra Foundation
- AMP
- Business Council of Australia
- Westpac
For more information on the Tech Reuse for Good Charter, including how to access a device or become a partner, visit techreusecharter.org.au
Quotes attributable to the Minister for Communications, Anika Wells:
“Access to technology and being connected is not a nice to have for people anymore it’s an essential part of everyday life.
“Working together across government and the private sector helps bridge the digital divide and drive digital inclusion will help to keep people better connected.
“Connectivity is so important for all Australians and it means they can stay in touch with loved ones, have better access to tele-health, education and other government and community services and programs.”
Quotes attributable to the Assistant Minister for Science, Technology and the Digital Economy, Dr Andrew Charlton:
"Too many Australians are still missing out on opportunities because they do not have access to the technology they need. The Tech Reuse for Good Charter is a practical way to get more devices directly to the people that need them.
"Safe, reliable digital services are essential to participating in education, work and community life. Every Australian should be able to benefit from this technology regardless of who they are or where they live.
"The Australian Government is investing heavily in our digital transition because we know technology has the potential to drive productivity, create opportunities and improve living standards."
Quotes attributable to Business Council Chief Executive, Bran Black:
“The digital economy is shaping how all of us work, learn and access services. But with one in five Australians experiencing digital exclusion, for many, the first hurdle is simply owning a phone or laptop. The Charter is about getting a working device into their hands so they can take part.
Quotes attributable to WorkVentures CEO, Caroline McDaid:
"As a founding partner, we see the Tech Reuse for Good Charter as a shift in how Australian businesses treat technology they no longer need: not as waste, but as an asset that can change someone's life. Today we're inviting every organisation that refreshes its devices to sign up to the Charter."
Quotes attributable to Good Things Australia CEO, Jess Wilson:
“Access to a device can be life-changing - opening doors to services, jobs and connection. Together with our partners, Good Things is driving the Tech Reuse for Good Charter to create lasting, systemic change in how Australia reuses technology.”