The 2025 Australian Digital Inclusion Index, released today, shows that regional and remote Australians remain far less connected than those living in major cities. People on low incomes continue to face the highest barriers to digital access and affordability.
Anglicare Australia Executive Director Kasy Chambers said the findings echo those of Anglicare Australia’s In Every Community report, which found that regional and remote services are under strain and too often left to bridge these divides without the resources they need.
“Digital exclusion is the new frontier of inequality,” Ms Chambers said.
“Whether it’s applying for jobs, accessing health care, or staying in touch with family, being online isn’t optional anymore. But too many people — especially in regional and remote areas — are being priced out or left without reliable connections.”
“We already know from our In Every Community report that rural services are struggling to keep up with demand. Many of them are the only lifeline for people who can’t get online to access Centrelink, book medical appointments, or use digital government services. This new data shows that those gaps are only getting wider.”
The Digital Inclusion Index found that the divide between the highest and lowest income groups has grown for the third consecutive year. Ms Chambers said that digital access is now fundamental to social participation, but government policy has not caught up.
“Just like health care or education, internet access is essential infrastructure. It’s how people find work, stay connected, and take part in the economy. Yet our system still treats it as a luxury,” she said.
“Anglicare Australia agencies are seeing people forced to choose between data and dinner. They’re setting up Wi-Fi in community centres, running digital literacy classes, and helping clients navigate online systems. But community organisations shouldn’t be expected to fill these gaps alone.”
“If governments want every Australian to take part in a digital future, they must start by investing in the communities that are being left behind,” Ms Chambers said.
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