The Australian Digital Inclusion Index is the primary measure of digital inclusion and is calculated by looking at access, affordability, and digital ability across Australia’s population.
Victoria scores well overall on the Australian Digital Inclusion Index (ADII). In 2021, Victorian registered an ADII aggregate digital inclusion score of 72, above the national average of 71.1. We ranked equal second with Western Australia (72), below the Australian Capital Territory (77), and above other Australian states.
On the key measures, we performed best on affordability (93), followed by access (71) and digital ability (65).
However, the scores for access, affordability, and digital ability vary considerably across different groups in our community.
By looking at the details, we gain a deeper understanding of Victoria’s digital inclusion gaps.
The following information quickly highlights a key digital inclusion gap – regional Victorians are disadvantaged relative to metropolitan Melbourne. Connecting Victoria is a major investment targeting this gap.
Digital inclusion scores
- National average: 71.1
- Regional Australia: 67.4
- Metropolitan Australia: 72.9
Social housing tenants recorded an ADII score 9.6 points below the national average.
More than a quarter (25.1 per cent) of public housing tenants are mobile‑only users, compared with 11.4 per cent of private housing tenants.
11 per cent of the Australian population is highly excluded, registering an ADII score of 45 or below.
67 per cent of Victoria's lowest income group would have to spend more than 10 per cent of their household income to get suitable connectivity (compared with 14 per cent of Australians overall).
Victoria's 65+ age group has a digital ability score 46 per cent below the national average.
Updated