Current Grant Opportunity View - GO7180

Improving the national collection of data on First Nations digital inclusion is a one-off ad hoc grant opportunity to the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology University (RMIT University), with up to $6 million (GST exclusive) available for this grant. The grant opportunity will be administered by the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts (DITRDCA).

The purpose of the grant is to expand and improve the national collection of data and associated reporting on First Nations digital inclusion, by increasing the scope and sample size of the Australian Digital Inclusion Index (ADII), that will:

·     build on current levels of data collection by including increased urban and regional data samples, and additional samples in remote locations;

·     create an Index of First Nations digital inclusion to provide a more robust measure of the national digital inclusion gap; and

·     assist in developing a better understanding of the current scale of the gap and measure progress towards achieving Target 17 of the National Agreement on Closing the Gap (CTG): By 2026, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have equal levels of digital inclusion.

The grant will also provide a stronger evidence base for policy development and progress towards Outcome 17 of the National Agreement on CTG: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have access to information and services enabling participation in informed decision-making regarding their own lives.

The purpose of this grant is also consistent with recommendations made to the Australian Government by the First Nations Digital Inclusion Advisory Group in its initial report of October 2023 (Recommendations 2.1 and 2.5), particularly on the need to measure progress towards, and achievement of, CTG Target 17.

This is a one-off ad hoc grant opportunity open to only RMIT University. To be eligible to receive this grant RMIT University must:

·     be a legal entity, able to enter into a legally binding agreement

·     have an Australian Business Number (ABN)

·     be registered for the purposes of GST

·     be a permanent resident of Australia

·     have an Australian bank account

If RMIT University does not satisfy the eligibility criteria, it will not be considered.

You are not eligible to apply if:

·     you or your project partner is listed on the National Redress Scheme’s website on the list of ‘Institution that has not joined or signified its intent to join the Scheme’ (www.nationalredress.gov.au); or

• you have 100 or more employees and have not complied with the Workplace Gender Equality Act (2012).

The Program must be completed by 30 June 2027. However, RMIT University may be required to provide additional or ongoing reporting on the Program after 30 June 2027.  

$6,600,000.00

From $0.00 to $6,600,000.00

To apply for this grant opportunity please submit your application via email to: FirstNationsDigitalInclusion@infrastructure.gov.au.

Further details are available at section 5 of the Grant Opportunity Guidelines.

In applying, RMIT University will be required to provide all relevant information as specified in the Grant Opportunity Guidelines, including any supporting documents.

If further guidance is required on the application process or information to be provided, please contact:  FirstNationsDigitalInclusion@infrastructure.gov.au