New plan to connect First Nations

The Government’s First Nations Digital Inclusion Plan, released earlier this week, outlines clear priorities to close the digital gap for First Nations Australians, Minister for Indigenous Australians Linda Burney says.

She said they had a “world-leading” plan which presented lifechanging opportunities.

“Digital inclusion means all Australians, including First Nations people, have access and use digital technologies effectively to improve their everyday lives,” she said.

“In a world where the technology landscape is rapidly changing to provide greater opportunities to connect with each other, the economy and so much more, I’m so pleased that this Government is committed to ensure our First Nations people aren’t left behind.

“Strengthening digital inclusion for First Nations people, especially if they live in regional or remote Australia, provides significant opportunities for increased connections to community, country and cultural identity.” www.rebeltours.com.au

Important: please request pickups at least 1 hour prior to Ferry departure �me affordable and reliable connectivity and the knowledge and skills which enable that connectivity to be used to the fullest,” she said.

Please note: Please be aware that we will have ferries to meet EVERY QANTAS and SKYTRANS flight from Cairns. If you can not see a ferry that suits your flight please CALL the office on 4069 1586.

Bookings are essen�al for 18:00/18:10 ferry Mon-Fri, and Saturday 06:15/06:20 & 13:45/14:00 Sunday ferry 17:15/17:30 ONLY operates when Qantas operates a late flight.

Office hours are Monday to Friday - 08:00 - 17:00 - Please consider these hours to make bookings - our office is not manned outside of these hours and we can not look up bookings or emails. We answer the phone whilst the ferry is running, but please try to book during office hours.

“This is particularly critical for people living in rural and regional communities, where the tyranny of distance has the greatest impact.

“The First Nations Digital Inclusion Plan aims to address the barriers to digital inclusion for First Nations people, particularly those living in regional and remote communities.

“Our investment in projects that directly benefit First Nations communities through the Better Connectivity Plan will ensure that no one is left behind and that we continue to support all Australians living in an increasingly digital and connected society.”

The National Indigenous Australians Agency led development of the Plan, in partnership with First Nations organisations and businesses, industry, and Commonwealth and State Government agencies.

She said digital inclusion was increasingly fundamental to economic and social inclusion.

Minister for Communications, the Hon Michelle Rowland MP said it didn’t matter where people lived.

“All Australians deserve access to

The Plan will inform the work of the Government’s First Nations Digital Inclusion Advisory Group, which was funded through the October 2022-23 Budget.

To read the Plan visit: www.niaa.gov. au/indigenous-affairs/ economic-development/ first-nations-digitalinclusion-plan