The Albanese Government is ensuring recycled tech devices get into the hands of Australians who need them most through the Tech Reuse for Good Charter, signed today by the Assistant Minister for Science, Technology and the Digital Economy, Andrew Charlton.
The initiative, led by the Business Council of Australia, WorkVentures and Good Things Australia, and in partnership with the Australian Government, is an important step forward in supporting digital inclusion.
Each year, businesses retire large numbers of devices, often well before the end of life. Yet one in five Australians experience digital exclusion, with a lack of access to digital devices remaining a barrier to getting online and participating in the digital world.
The Charter is a voluntary, principles-based initiative that encourages organisations to reduce their electronic waste by donating surplus digital devices well before the end of their practical life.
Many businesses, not-for-profit organisations and the Australian Government have signed onto the Charter and agreed to build a coordinated and scalable tech reuse ecosystem to ensure all Australians can participate in the opportunities created by the digital economy.
By refurbishing and redistributing these devices, the Charter will help improve access to education, employment, healthcare and essential services for Australians experiencing digital exclusion, particularly families on low incomes, students, First Nations Australians and survivors of domestic violence.
The initiative complements the National Device Reuse Principles, which provide federal, state and territory governments with a nationally consistent framework for donating and reusing devices while meeting legislative and policy requirements, and also represents further progress on the recommendations in the First Nations Digital Inclusion Roadmap: 2026 and Beyond.
The Commonwealth Department of Industry, Science and Resources is a founding signatory to the Tech Reuse for Good Charter, supporting its implementation, demonstrating Commonwealth leadership and encouraging participation across industry, government and the not-for-profit sector.
The Australian Government acknowledges the significant efforts of the founding members below:
- Aussie Broadband
- Deloitte
- KPMG
- NBN Co
- Optus
- TasNetworks
- Telstra
- Telstra Foundation
- AMP
- Business Council of Australia
- Westpac
