Media Release: BRACKS GOVERNMENT BOOSTS DISABLED INTERNET ACCESS

FROM THE MINISTER FOR INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY

DATE: Monday, March 21, 2005

BRACKS GOVERNMENT BOOSTS DISABLED INTERNET ACCESS

The Bracks Government today announced a $3.5 million commitment to support free or affordable public internet access for disadvantaged groups across Victoria.

The Minister for Information and Communication Technology, Marsha Thomson, said existing public internet access sites across Victoria would be supported to update their computer equipment and maintain ISP connections.

“Through this initiative the government will be funding up to half a million hours of free or affordable internet access for Victorians over the next four years,” Ms Thomson said.

“All existing and previous state or federally funded public internet access sites are encouraged to apply.

“To be eligible, organisations must target groups currently under-represented among internet users, such as people with a disability, senior Victorians, unemployed people and those outside the education system and workforce.”

Ms Thomson said the Bracks Government had made enormous progress on bridging the digital divide through the Connecting Communities initiatives.

“Fifty-seven per cent of adult Victorians now use the internet, and the number of households with internet access has more than doubled to 54 per cent since 1999,” Ms Thomson said.

“More than 50 per cent of Victorian women now use the internet compared with one third in 1999 and 50 per cent of provincial Victorians are using the internet compared with 32 per cent in 1999.

“This means that a much greater number of Victorians can now use the internet to pay bills, look for jobs, find information and keep in touch.

“Some groups continue to experience difficulties, which is why we still think there is an important role for the State government to play in assisting particular Victorians to access and use the internet.”

In December 2004, Ms Thomson announced an additional $9 million over four years in Connecting Communities: the second wave to support initiatives aimed at reducing the remaining barriers to internet uptake in the Victorian community.

Public Internet Access Program grants will be offered in two competitive funding rounds - the first round will open today and close 21 April 2005.

For further information about Public Internet Access Program or for copies of the application forms and guidelines contact VICNET toll free on 1800 629 835 or 03 8664 7001 during business hours or visit the Multimedia Victoria web site at www.mmv.vic.gov.au/communities.

For more information about Connecting Communities: the second wave or the Achievements of Connecting Communities go to http://www.mmv.vic.gov.au/communities