Page 6 - Senior Scene Queensland 2020

PAGE 6 www.seniorsbook.com.au

Older Queenslanders

in danger of being

digitally excluded

he Queensland Government As more and more of our news,
must commit to a activities, and businesses move
Tcomprehensive Digital online, some people can become
Inclusion Strategy to ensure no socially excluded and can have
Queenslanders are left behind, trouble accessing information,
says Council on the Ageing (COTA) products and services.”
Queensland, the state’s peak Queensland currently has a digital
organisation for seniors. transformation strategy, but more
COTA Queensland ’s Chief needs to be done to make sure
Executive, Mark Tucker-Evans, people can take advantage of these
said that closure of services opportunities.
and restrictions on movement Recent figures have shown people
during the COVID pandemic has over 65 in Australia are among
ssmqld9102 highlighted the digital divide. those most digitally excluded and
“We have all had to make a shift are among those experiencing a
online, for school, business, and widening affordability gap.
even our social lives. The virtual “There is a myth that older
events for Queensland Seniors people can’t or don’t want to
Week last week showed how use technology. What is needed
many people have embraced the is equitable, affordable access
opportunities to connect and share and practical support to help
in new ways.” Mr Tucker-Evans said. people keep up with technological
“But that’s harder for some than changes.” Mr Tucker-Evans said.
others. Not everyone has the “It is critical that the transformation
same access to a good internet to digital services is focused on
connection or can afford to pay. people of all ages and does not
Not everyone has a device they can leave anyone behind. This must be
use to connect or has learned how a priority issue for Queensland.”
to use its features. CONTINUED PAGE 8
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