Media release: 2023 Solomon Lecture to deliver thought-provoking insights into the ‘digital divide’ and how to improve digital inclusion
This year’s Solomon Lecture will be delivered by Ms Talei Elu, a proud Saibai Koedal woman from the Torres Strait Islands and 2023 Young Australian of the Year for Queensland.
The annual lecture is once again a key celebration marking International Access to Information Day (IAID), which is recognised on 28 September.
The IAID theme in Queensland this year is ‘Digital inclusion: connecting people to information’. It is a reminder of how digital inclusion can impact an individual’s right to access information, including government-held information.
Ms Elu is well-versed on this theme having grown up in the remote community of Seisia in Cape York. She is a community advocate and change-maker, especially when it comes to improving digital inclusion and accessibility.
Ms Elu is a member of the First Nations Digital Inclusion Advisory Group (federal) and Queensland Government First Nations Consultative Committee.
Her keynote is titled ‘The story of Seisia – How access to information in remote Indigenous communities can help to solve complex problems’.
She will share her story about how the people of Seisia lobbied for better telecommunications infrastructure (securing a $1.09 million tower through the Regional Connectivity Program), and how the community is now using that to access information about government processes, health, media and a range of other areas to help solve complex issues within Seisia.
Ms Elu’s keynote is very timely, given the recent findings from the 2023 Australian Digital Inclusion Index (ADII) report, which measured digital inclusion across the country comparing things like access, affordability and digital ability. The report noted that while digital inclusion is improving in Australia, there is still a long way to go so that everyone can enjoy the benefits and opportunities, especially the most vulnerable groups such as First Nations communities, older Australians and people on the lowest incomes.
Public sector staff, the community and media are welcome to attend the free lecture (or watch the livestream) on Tuesday 26 September starting at 10.30am at The Edge, State Library of Queensland, South Brisbane (Meanjin).
In-person attendees should register here via Eventbrite.
The keynote will be followed by a panel discussion focusing on bridging the digital divide and real life case studies. Journalist Ms Kim Skubris will emcee the event and moderate the panel featuring:
- Ms Talei Elu
- Mr Chris McLaren (Chief Customer and Digital Officer, Queensland Government Customer and Digital Group)
- Mr Chatur Zala (CEO, Cherbourg Aboriginal Shire Council)
- Professor Michael Dezuanni (Program Leader, Digital Inclusion and Participation, Digital Media Research Centre, QUT)
Closing the digital divide for Queenslanders (and all Australians) would mean everyone can enjoy the economic and social benefits of a digitally-enabled economy. It would allow more people to easily access government information and services in a timely and efficient manner with greater confidence.
The impacts and effects of digital inclusion extend beyond the digital realm to support social and economic change.
The Solomon Lecture is hosted annually by the Queensland Office of the Information Commissioner, to help raise awareness around people’s right to information and IAID.
The Solomon Lecture is named in honour of Dr David Solomon, who was Chair of the Independent Freedom of Information Review Panel that led to the right to information reforms in Queensland in 2009.
More information about International Access to Information Day and the Solomon Lecture
Media contact: Steve Haigh
Phone: (07) 3234 7373
