Graham Perrett (Moreton, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

I rise tonight to inform the House about concerns I have for seniors, regarding their safety and privacy in an increasingly online world. Obviously, the internet has become a major part of our modern lives. Most Australians rely on it for keeping in touch with friends, for paying bills and for doing business, both nationally and internationally. The NBN will help let Australian skills and know-how compete all around the world.

We must ensure that no Australians are left behind as we experience the technological revolution. That is why the Gillard government has invested in the NBN, and $15 million to set up 2,000 internet kiosks for seniors. I have a flyer, with me opening the Broadband for Seniors at the office in Griffith with the APSL president, Frances Nord, and the APSL state secretary, Ian Gordon.

The Broadband for Seniors program has helped thousands more seniors experience the benefits and convenience of the internet. It helps them to gain confidence using computer technology and builds community participation and social inclusion among older Australians. Today, senior Australians are the fastest growing demographic of online users, so you can teach an old dog new tricks—especially if it is an Australian dog.

The Australian Bureau of Statistics tells us that more than 60 per cent of Australians aged 55 to 64 use the internet, with more than 30 per cent of those over 65 spending time online. The 2010 Online risk and safety in the digital economy report published by the Australian Communications and Media Authority found that older Australians are more likely to use the internet for e-commerce, for research and health information, while younger age groups are more likely to look for music, use social networking sites and seek entertainment through video games.

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