Call for device donations as digital divide widens

WorkVentures has called on Australian businesses and government agencies to donate unused digital devices for refurbishment and redistribution through the National Device Bank, as new figures point to a widening gap in home computer access for young people.

WorkVentures said 1.42 million young people in Australia cannot access a computer at home. It said this share rose to 23% in 2025, up from 19% in 2024. WorkVentures said 523,000 of those without home computer access are aged 14 and above.

WorkVentures also pointed to a broader measure of access beyond the home. It said 14% of young people aged 8 to 25 have no access to a learning device even when including access at schools and libraries. It said that equated to 864,000 people and compared with 10% a year earlier.

AI and access

The organisation linked device access to participation in emerging technologies. It cited findings that one third of young people without a learning device say they do not use AI. It compared that with 14% among those with access to a learning device.

WorkVentures said those with a learning device also demonstrate better fact-checking habits around the use of AI. It said this showed the barriers that lack of access creates for educational opportunities.

The data sits alongside growing public recognition of digital skills as part of career readiness. WorkVentures said four in five Australians agree that digital skills are essential for future careers. It said this share increased over the past 12 months.

National Device Bank

WorkVentures said businesses and government agencies can donate unused devices to the National Device Bank. The bank is a collaboration with Good Things Australia. It collects devices such as laptops, tablets and mobile phones. It sends them for refurbishment and then redistributes them at no cost to people described as digitally excluded.

WorkVentures said the National Device Bank has secured commitments for thousands of devices since launching late last year. It also said demand exceeds the number of devices committed. It said the program has a goal of securing pledges for one million devices by 2030.

The program also links recipients to digital skills support, according to WorkVentures. It described this as part of building longer-term digital inclusion.

Caroline McDaid, CEO, WorkVentures, framed the issue around the return to school and the role of device access in education.

"This week, students across Australia return to the classroom, yet a lack of access to devices that are crucial for learning means 1.42 million young people are at risk of getting left behind," said Caroline McDaid, CEO, WorkVentures.

McDaid said device access should not be treated as optional as workplaces demand more digital skills.

"With AI's growing influence and an increasing emphasis on digital skills in the workplace, Australian businesses can play a stronger role in supporting the next generation with obtaining vital digital skills. Access to a device such as a tablet or laptop is often taken for granted, but it represents a fair shot at a good education, career and life," said McDaid.

"If Australian businesses and government divert even just a portion of their still valuable devices to the National Device Bank, we can help close the digital divide and ensure Australia's economy thrives by repurposing devices and making them accessible to those within our communities currently excluded from the digital world," said McDaid.

Corporate donors

Westpac has donated used technology for reuse by digitally excluded young people for many years, according to WorkVentures. The organisation said the support has contributed to the distribution of more than 50,000 repurposed devices.

Doug Taylor, CEO, The Smith Family, said the donations affect students supported by its Learning for Life program.

"Every young person should have access to the devices necessary to fully participate in their education," said Doug Taylor, CEO, The Smith Family.

"Families we work with are telling us they're concerned about affording the digital devices that are now crucial for a child to succeed at school," said Taylor.

"Currently 44% of students on our Learning for Life program do not have a digitally connected laptop at home," said Taylor.

"Working with organisations like WorkVentures and Westpac means we can continue our mission of ensuring all young people in Australia are digitally connected and no one will miss out on their education simply due to circumstance," said Taylor.

Paul McKenna, Head of Workplace Technology, Westpac, urged other organisations to consider donations.

"A device seemingly at the end of its life for us, has so much more potential and can prove extremely valuable to someone else," said Paul McKenna, Head of Workplace Technology, Westpac.

"Laptops, tablets and mobile phones can be given a new lease of life, preventing unnecessary waste while making sure young Australians are on an even playing field when it comes to educational opportunities that will take them through the rest of their lives," said McKenna.

McDaid said the scale of the access gap requires action from both the public and private sectors.

"Australia's digital access gap means businesses and government must step up and invest in its future workforce - our young people. By donating, businesses are ensuring thousands of disadvantaged students benefit from the National Device Bank and receive access to refurbished devices that will empower them at school as they build up the skills they'll need for their future life and careers," said McDaid.