Labor is calling on the Marshall Liberal Government to stop vulnerable people being excluded from digital life, by allowing public library computer access.
Many South Australians rely on their local libraries to access educational and employment material, register for government services, and to communicate and engage socially.
Over the past two months, our community’s reliance on these online services has intensified, with so many services no longer delivered face-to-face.
People without home or personal internet access are currently unable to use telehealth services, register for welfare payments online, or access web-based information about coronavirus at the time they need it most.
While book loaning may still be deemed too risky, arranging for proper social distancing and cleaning computer equipment after each use, is not onerous and would greatly assist people to access important information at this time.
Local councils run and fund the majority of suburban and regional libraries, which host public access computer terminals. Staff also provide support to people who are not digital literate.
Quotes attributable to Shadow Minister for Arts Jayne Stinson
Sadly not everyone in our community is able to afford the internet in their own homes. Many people also need personal assistance to get online.
The coronavirus restrictions put these people at an even greater disadvantage right now, in terms of accessing information and services.
Re-opening libraries for internet access is a measured and sensible relaxation of the rules to deliver a big benefit to our most disadvantaged citizens.
The digital divide in our community must be addressed and this is one small measure to ensure it doesn’t get even worse.