Under the Better and Fairer Schools Agreement it states that “all students are provided access to high-quality evidence-based teaching that is inclusive, where young Australians of all backgrounds and levels of need are supported to achieve their full educational potential’. 

Without access to internet, it isn’t possible for distance education students to achieve the equity and excellence outcomes of this agreement. It is the Department of Education responsibility to provide students with access to reliable internet, so they are able to achieve their learning and wellbeing goals. 

The current Northern Territory internet subsidy scheme has been in place for some years, it recently underwent a review however the review failed to increase the maximum reimbursement amount in line with the current cost of internet. Whilst not all families require access to portable internet, many do due to the nature of their business requiring them to work and live in multiple locations throughout the year.