Digital divides in New South Wales: a research note on socio-spatial inequality using 2001 Census data on computer and Internet technology

This paper examines social and spatial inequalities in personal usage of information technologies, drawing on data made available recently as part of Australia's national census, undertaken by the Bureau of Statistics in 2001. Data on both computer and Internet use are analysed in a number of ways: patterns of use and non-use of the technology are examined across New South Wales in relation to a number of variables, including age, place of birth, indigeneity, income and educational status. Selected results are mapped for State-wide trends and within Sydney, revealing spatial inequalities both across and among regions. Correlation and regression analysis are used to demonstrate the strength of association between computer and Internet use and other socio-economic variables. The results suggest that there is a strong class as well as spatial dimension to Australia's digital divides. Educational status and income mediate use of computers and Internet technologies, in addition to factors associated with location, indigeneity and birthplace. Such observations reinforce those made elsewhere regarding the uneven geometries of power apparent in information economies, and suggest interventions in public policy debates, particularly in the areas of telecommunications provision, resourcing of public schools, and regional economic development.