Free internet plan rapidly expanding to 30k families as cost of living crisis worsens

The government is working to rapidly expand a program helping families struggling with the rising cost of living, with up to 30,000 to be included.

Families struggling to choose between what essentials to pay for amid rising cost of living pressures are being urged to grab hold of a government lifeline.

One thousand disadvantaged and vulnerable families without home internet access have been connected since the Albanese government launched its school student broadband initiative in February.

In a rapid escalation of the national program, the aim now is to connect 30,000 families unable to afford the internet for their school-aged children to free NBN coverage for a year.

Across the country, politicians, education departments, Catholic and Independent schools, and other nominating organisations like Vinnies and Anglicare, have been tasked with reaching out to families who need the extra hand.

They say that building digital literacy for young people, and teaching them how to keep themselves safe in an increasingly online world is “not a luxury, but a necessity” in 2023.

Andrea Dwyer, director of innovation at Anglicare Victoria, said the initiative was making a “huge difference” for families, as it meant they didn’t have to choose between ensuring their children had the best chance of a good education, and putting food on the table.

Australian families struggling to make ends meet can access a year’s free internet through a government scheme. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Emma Brasier

She said there were many families in the community who struggled to afford things most people with regular incomes took for granted, like internet access, textbooks and school excursions, which had a direct impact on the children.

“Through this initiative we’re able to make sure that families don’t have to choose between turning on the heating, or having the resources that they need for education,” she said.

“We know that through the provision of the internet, that will support thousands of kids across the country in their education, and education is one of the best ways that we can set kids up for success.”

Ms Dwyer said Anglicare was also determined to setting children up with the best success online, because access to internet was the best tool to ensuring students had equal access to good education.

“In 2023, the internet is how we work, play and connect with people. So having digital connection for all people, irrespective of their income, is really critical,” she said.

Communications Minister Michelle Rowland said being connected to the broadband is essential to “maximise educational opportunities, and take advantage of a digital society”.

“It’s fantastic to see over 1,000 families who previously did not have internet at home can now enjoy the benefits of connectivity as a result of the Albanese Government’s investment. We look forward to seeing the SSBI ramp up as it moves into its next phase of engagement,” she said.

“The program wouldn‘t be possible without the constructive engagement from community organisations and charities, and I thank them for their work over the initial development period”.

Communications Minister Michelle Rowland said the program was crucial in bridging the digital divide. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Gary Ramage

Jackie Youngblutt, the general manager of programs at Vinnies Queensland said the initiative was helping to close the “digital divide”.

The Queensland branch was allocated 400 of the 30,000 spots and in the first few months have already turned the internet on for 100 families.

“One family told us, ‘we’re really struggling at the moment, and this has come at a great time. I’m about to go back to studying at TAFE for the first time since having kids, so the whole family is going to benefit from this’, and I think that demonstrates the multiplying effects that this is having for families that are struggling,” she said.

“For school students, this program is really levelling up the playing field. This is saying it doesn’t matter if you come from a disadvantaged family, this is about access and equality and providing kids with the net flow on that comes from having the internet.

“Importantly, I guess it’s teaching digital literacy. We know that they carry that into adulthood – it’s a crucial skill now for careers and again, it’s just that equal opportunity, it’s ensuring that no one’s getting left behind because they don’t have access to something most of us take for granted.”

The program, which was allocated funding in the October budget, is available to anyone who doesn’t have the internet currently connected, and has a student at home.

If found to be eligible, the family is issued with a unique voucher which can be redeemed with a participating internet provider.

While the government has committed to free internet for 12 months per voucher, both Ms Dwyer and Ms Youngblutt said they anticipated ongoing assistance would be available to families after the year was up.

Originally published as Free internet plan rapidly expanding to 30k families as cost of living crisis worsens