New research published today examines the challenges faced by not-for-profit organisations in the Northern Rivers of NSW and their clients in relation to accessing information communications technology. The report, Another Barrier?, provides a snapshot of those living in regional areas who continue to struggle with the basics of availability, affordability, and accessibility of communications services.

As Australia moves into the era of the digital economy and the National Broadband Network (NBN), not-for profits are increasingly finding themselves as brokers of ICT access.  

Using a qualitative approach, the report taps into the experiences of a community increasingly reliant on NFP organisations to access essential services. The voices of the people working within these organisations are captured throughout the report as vignettes.

The findings provide an insight into how consumers living in these areas are likely to fare in the digitally enabled society facilitated by high-speed broadband and the NBN. Recommendations focus on an increased awareness of the unique issues affecting regional disadvantaged and vulnerable consumers and a cross-sector strategic approach to supporting not-for-profits to facilitate access to information and services for their clients. 

Read the full report

Download Another Barrier? [Adobe PDF - 416 KB]

Download Another Barrier? [Word Document - 114 KB]