Leaders from government, business and the community sector came together at the Tech Reuse for Good Charter Roundtable to explore how technology reuse can help close Australia’s digital divide, with Assistant Minister for Science, Technology and the Digital Economy, The Hon Dr Andrew Charlton MP, joining the discussion.
The roundtable marked an important step in the development of the Tech Reuse for Good Charter, a partnership between the Australian Government, the Business Council of Australia, Good Things Australia and WorkVentures that aims to unlock more devices for people who need them most.
The development of this Charter is boosted by a $2.9 million commitment by Telstra Foundation to support the National Device Bank, powering it to help more people in need.
“For people experiencing digital exclusion, access to a device can open doors to education, employment, essential services and connection. We’re proud to be working alongside government, business and community partners to develop the Tech Reuse for Good Charter and the National Device Bank to help unlock more devices for Australians who need them most,” says Jess Wilson, CEO of Good Things Australia.
A shared commitment to tech reuse
The National Device Bank was created by Good Things Australia and WorkVentures because access to devices is a practical, solvable barrier to digital inclusion.
The Charter builds on that same idea at a national level. It brings government, business and the community sector together around a shared commitment to repurpose unused technology and make it available to people who would otherwise go without.
With around 10 million computers and tablets, and 6.5 million mobile phones expected to be refreshed across the corporate and public sectors, there is a significant opportunity to rethink how unused technology is managed.
“Telstra Foundation’s catalytic support of the National Device Bank strengthens the Tech Reuse for Good Charter’s ambition to scale for-purpose device donations and enhance digital inclusion across Australia,” says Caroline McDaid, CEO of WorkVentures.
Building the system to make reuse easier
The Tech Reuse for Good Charter is not about creating unnecessary complexity. It is about making it easier for organisations to do something meaningful with devices they no longer need.
By supporting a reuse first approach, the Charter can help strengthen collaboration between industry, charities and government, while extending the life of devices and reducing e-waste.
This kind of cross sector commitment matters. It helps create a clearer pathway for organisations to contribute devices confidently, knowing there are trusted ways for technology to be refurbished and redirected to people who need it most.
From commitment to impact
The roundtable brought together representatives from Good Things Australia, WorkVentures, the Business Council of Australia, government agencies, major businesses, charities and community organisations, showing strong momentum behind a more coordinated approach to technology reuse.
For the National Device Bank, the Tech Reuse for Good Charter and funding commitment from Telstra Foundation is an important step towards scaling what already works: connecting donated devices with people experiencing digital exclusion through trusted community organisations.
Technology that is no longer needed by one organisation can create opportunity for someone else. The Charter helps turn that simple idea into a shared national commitment.
We are proud to see Good Things Australia, WorkVentures and the Business Council of Australia working alongside the Australian Government to advance this important work, and excited by the potential to unlock more devices, reduce waste and support a more digitally inclusive Australia.
Further information
We will provide updates as work on the Charter progresses.
In the meantime if you are interested in donating or accessing devices express your interest on this site and we’ll be in touch.
