Keeping Australian Seniors Connected

Thousands of older Australians will stay connected to family and friends through free access to broadband internet with continued funding under the Gillard Government’s successful Broadband for Seniors initiative.

The Government will invest a further $10.4 million over four years to 30 June 2015 to keep supporting the 2,000 Broadband for Seniors kiosks already established across the country.

This funding will be used to provide free broadband internet and cover the costs of ongoing maintenance of computer hardware and software. This will ensure that local kiosks continue to run with the help of volunteer staff across Australia.

About 94,000 older Australians have used the 2,000 popular Broadband for Seniors kiosks. More than a third of these people had never used a computer before, and almost half had never used the internet.

These kiosks help seniors, particularly in our regional and remote towns, stay in touch with their family and friends and meet new people in their communities.

Kiosks are located in places where senior Australians regularly visit, such as community centres, aged care facilities, libraries and bowls clubs, in communities and towns across the country.

The Government is committed to ensuring all Australians can benefit from the digital economy and that no-one is left behind.

That is why the Government is building the National Broadband Network to deliver affordable, high speed and reliable broadband to all Australian homes, businesses, schools and hospitals.

Kiosks will be connected to the National Broadband Network as it is rolled out, delivering high speed internet connection for senior Australians.