The Albanese Labor Government today reaffirmed its commitment to digital inclusion, backing the Tech Reuse for Good Charter to ensure all Australians can thrive in the digital age, with no-one held back or left behind.

Leaders from business, government and the not-for-profit sector came together at a roundtable to advance a shared goal: ensuring every Australian has access to the digital tools they need to participate fully in modern life.

This effort received a significant boost with The Telstra Foundation announcing it will commit almost $3 million to support a national device bank—a major step towards putting devices into the hands of Australian children who need them most.

This builds on the important work of the Business Council of Australia, Good Things Australia and WorkVentures to develop the Tech Reuse for Good Charter—an initiative that will for the first time give businesses a clear, practical pathway to redirect surplus devices to Australians who need them most.

According to the Australian Youth Digital Index up to 1.4 million young people do not have access to an appropriate device at home to support their education, with more than 80 per cent reporting difficulty keeping up with schoolwork without a computer. These figures highlight the real impact of digital exclusion on learning and opportunity.

The challenge extends across society, with many of Australia’s most vulnerable – from older Australians and newly arrived migrants to job seekers and people experiencing housing insecurity – unable to access the devices they need to connect with their families and access essential services and job opportunities.

The Tech Reuse for Good Charter focuses on outcomes rather than process, making it easier for organisations to contribute devices without the need for new regulation, mandates or complex funding arrangements. It is designed to:

• Improve access to devices for priority groups, including people on low incomes, First Nations communities and students
• Strengthen the circular economy by extending the life of technology and reducing e-waste
• Establish shared principles to support collaboration between industry, charities and government.

The initiative builds on contributions already being made by organisations such as Westpac and NBN Co, which are providing devices to support those in need.

With around 10 million computers and tablets, and 6.5 million mobile phones expected to be refreshed across the corporate and public sectors over the next five years, there is a clear opportunity to redirect these devices to Australians who need them most.

The roundtable brought together representatives from the Business Council of Australia, Good Things Australia, WorkVentures, Telstra Foundation, Amazon, Deloitte, Ashurst, Westpac, NBN Co, The Smith Family, First Nations Digital Inclusion Advisory Group, Infoxchange, ADIA, Dementia Australia and government agencies—underscoring the strong, cross-sector commitment to improving access to devices and connectivity.

For further information visit https://nationaldevicebank.org.au/.

Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister for Science, Technology and the Digital Economy, Dr Andrew Charlton:

“This collaboration reflects a shared commitment to inclusion and opportunity—values that underpin our goal of ensuring all Australians succeed in the digital age.

“The Government recognises Telstra’s significant investment into this program and the support this new social infrastructure will provide to young Australians and the contribution of all partners working together to close the digital divide.”

CEO of Telstra Foundation, Jackie Coates: 

“Our Australian Youth Digital Index shows the share of young people without access to a laptop or desktop at home has risen from 19 per cent to 23 per cent—equivalent to 1.42 million young people. This program and collaboration will help close that gap by giving young people the tools they need to learn, participate and thrive in a digital world.”

Chief Executive Officer of WorkVentures, Caroline McDaid:

“Telstra Foundation’s catalytic support of the National Device Bank strengthens the Tech Reuse for Good Charter’s ambition to scale for-purpose device donations and enhance digital inclusion across Australia. WorkVentures welcomes the opportunity to work with Assistant Minister Charlton, Good Things Australia, the Business Council of Australia and member organisations to bring this initiative to life.”

CEO of Good Things Australia, Jess Wilson:

“For people experiencing digital exclusion, access to a device can open doors to education, employment, essential services and connection. We’re proud to be working alongside government, business and community partners to develop the Tech Reuse for Good Charter and help unlock more devices for Australians who need them most.”

CEO Business Council of Australia, Bran Black:

“Millions of usable devices are retired by businesses every year. This Charter gives businesses a simple way to put them to better use.

“Access to technology opens doors to communication, education and opportunity. The Business Council is proud to partner on this Charter and encourages every business in Australia to get involved.”