The Albanese Government has appointed four new members to the First Nations Digital Inclusion Advisory Group.

The new appointees join the co-chairs, Ms Dot West OAM and Professor Lyndon Ormond-Parker, as well as Mr Adam Manovic, as members of the Advisory Group. 

Established by the Albanese Government in January 2023, the Advisory Group works closely with First Nations people and communities to identify ways to support First Nations digital inclusion, in line with Target 17 of the National Agreement on Closing the Gap.

The Advisory Group launched the First Nations Digital Inclusion Roadmap in 2024 which highlighted the considerable benefits of digital inclusion, including access to services and information, social connection and economic opportunity. 

The Advisory Group will continue to work with the Albanese Government on delivering our $68 million commitment to closing the digital divide. 

The new appointees are:

Dr Jessa Rogers is a Wiradjuri researcher, educator, board director and Associate Professor of Indigenous Education at the University of Melbourne. She was a member of the 2024 Regional Communications Independent Review with expertise spanning across roles such as Managing Director of Baayi Consulting and Committee Member of the Indigenous Steering Committee, Australian Communications Consumer Action Network (ACCAN).

Mr Che Cockatoo-Collins is a former AFL player who has family connections to Ku Ku Yalanji, Yupangathi, Gangalidda and Gunggari peoples. He is currently the Executive Manager of Indigenous Affairs at NBN Co and has experience in cultural heritage and land access roles. 

Ms Naomi Moran is a Nyangbal and Arakwal woman from the Bundjalung nation in northern New South Wales and former co-chair of First Nations Media Australia. She is currently one of three NSW Treaty Commissioners after serving as Chief Executive Officer of Australia’s only independent, printed national Indigenous newspaper, the Koori Mail.  

Mr Terry Jamieson is a Wiradjuri man from NSW and current manager of Closing the Gap and Policy at the NSW Department of Customer Service. In this role, Mr Jamieson co-leads the delivery of Closing the Gap Target 17 with the NSW Coalition of Aboriginal Peak Organisations, which partners with the BlaQ Aboriginal Corporation for NSW. 

For more information on the First Nations Digital Inclusion Advisory Group visit www.digitalinclusion.gov.au.      

Quotes attributable to Minister for Communications, Anika Wells:

“Our Government is working hard to boost digital inclusion for First Nations Australians.

“First Nations voices, perspectives and expertise are vital to achieving this, which is why I’m so pleased to announce these new appointments to the First Nations Digital Inclusion Advisory Group.

“Each individual brings unique experience and this expertise will be invaluable as we continue bridging the digital divide. 

“I thank everyone for their continued hard work and commitment towards our shared goals of improving access to affordable and reliable digital connectivity, boosting digital literacy and promoting safe and positive participation in digital spaces for First Nations people.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for Indigenous Australians, Malarndirri McCarthy:

“I welcome the new members to the Advisory Group and I look forward to continuing to work together to close the digital divide for First Nations people.

“This group has already demonstrated strong advocacy in closing the gap and the new members will bring new perspectives and expertise.

“Digital inclusion is essential for all Australians no matter where they live.”

Quotes attributable to Jessa Rogers:

“My research in digital inclusion has shown me just how critical First Nations digital inclusion is, not only for the wellbeing, life outcomes and employment opportunities of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, but especially for young people’s education. 

“Ensuring access to digital skills, tools and connectivity supports their learning whether they pursue opportunities beyond their communities or choose to remain and thrive in their home communities. I am honoured to serve on FNDIAG.”

Quotes attributable to Terry Jamieson:

“It is a great honour to be appointed to the Advisory Group and I look forward to working with the co-chairs and other members to advocate for the recommendations in the First Nations Digital Inclusion Roadmap, and to see positive benefits for First Nations communities across Australia.” 

Quotes attributable to Che Cockatoo Collins:

“I appreciate the opportunity to serve on the Advisory Group and contribute to its important work in closing the digital divide. 

“I’ve seen firsthand the important role of connectivity in communities, in supporting access to information and services.”

 Quotes attributable to Naomi Moran:

“It’s an honour to continue contributing to the work of the First Nations Digital Inclusion group. 

“For our communities, digital connectivity is more than just technology - it’s access to education, health, employment, culture, and each other.

“Ensuring that First Nations people can access affordable connectivity, the right infrastructure, and the literacy to use it confidently means breaking down barriers and opening up opportunities across all facets of life. 

“This work is about equity, dignity, and making sure no one is left behind in the digital world.”