Digital access and inclusion during the pandemic

First Nations Media Australia would like to understand the digital access experiences of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and communities during the coronavirus pandemic. 

This survey asks for information from organisations working  with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities about digital inclusion and exclusion during the pandemic. 

Please answer the questions based on your knowledge and understanding of the community(s) and regions in which you work.

Your knowledge of the digital access issues facing community members will help us better understand the issues facing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and advocate for improved access. 

The information you provide will not be used to identify you personally or your organisation. All responses will remain completely anonymous. The findings will not be attributable to any one individual or organisation.

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* 1. In which area of Australia are you based?

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* 2. In which State or Territory do you operate? Choose all that apply.

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* 3. What sector best describes your organisation? Choose all that apply.

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* 4. What type of digital access (internet) is available in the region or community(s) in which you operate? Choose all that apply.

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* 5. What type of internet access do community members use most? Choose all that apply.

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* 6. What digital devices do most people in the community(s) you work in have access to? Choose all that apply.

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* 7. What do people in the community(s) you work in, mainly use their personal digital devices (phone, tablet, computer) for? Choose all that apply.

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* 8. What are the most common social media apps used by community members?

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* 9. How often do people in the community(s) or regions in which you work experience the following issues.

  Never Rarely Sometimes Often Always N/A
Difficulty accessing the internet
Can only use some features of their personal devices (eg. calls and text)
Sign up to contracts they can't afford
Use a lot of data so run out of credit frequently
Replace phones and numbers frequently
Can't afford the internet
Unreliable internet (poor connectivity or dropouts)
Forgetting  passwords
No or forgotten email accounts
Online bullying or threats
Getting hacked or scammed
Difficulty reading or writing English

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* 10. Can you describe any issues with accessing the internet or using digital devices, that have become worse since the coronavirus pandemic and lockdowns? If no issues please write None.

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* 11. What cyber bullying or cyber security issues arise in the regions or communities in which you work? Choose all that apply.

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* 12. In mid-March Australia went into lockdown because of the Coronavirus pandemic. Many remote communities were placed under further restrictions under the Biosecurity Act. Stages of lockdown, border closures and various public health requirements like mask wearing continue to apply.

How are most community members getting information about the virus and the lockdown arrangements? Choose all that apply.

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* 13. What are the main online platforms community members use to get information about the coronavirus pandemic? Choose all that apply.

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* 14. Are people receiving or sharing mis-information or conspiracy theories about the virus or the lockdown?

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* 15. Many government and other services have moved to online access in recent years. For example Centrelink, NDIS and telehealth.

What issues do community members experience with accessing online services? Choose all that apply

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* 16. Has the ability to access online services changed because of the pandemic and lockdown in the community(s) in which you work?

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* 17. Do community members experience any issues with debt because of their use of digital devices? Choose all that apply.

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* 18. Have issues with debt changed during the coronavirus pandemic and lockdown(s)?

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* 19. Are you aware of any online scams in the community(s) or regions in which you work? Choose all that apply.

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* 20. Has the experience of scams changed during the coronavirus pandemic and lockdown(s)?

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* 21. What are the best ways to provide community members with information about appropriate service plans, digital skills and being safe online? Choose all that apply.

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* 22. Please rate how important you think being able to access information or services online in First Nations languages is to the community(s) in which you work?

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* 23. Is there anything else you would to say about digital access and inclusion in the community(s) in which you work?

Please comment in the box below.

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* 24. The next few questions ask for some descriptive information about you personally.

What is your cultural background?

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* 25. What is your age range?

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* 26. What is your gender

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* 27. Would you be willing for First Nations Media Australia to do a follow up interview with you?

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