AusGov Media & Tech

25/10/2026

Spring cleaning this month? Don’t forget your digital cupboards. 🧹💻

Cyber Security Awareness Month is a great time to tidy up your online life and strengthen your defences:

✅ refresh weak passwords or switch to passkeys
✅ turn on multi-factor authentication
✅ update your devices and apps
✅ delete suspicious messages and watch for phishing scams

A few simple habits can help keep your information safer online.

For more tips, visit Australian Signals Directorate

21/10/2026

This week is Get Online Week!

Did you know over 2.2 billion people worldwide remain offline? Australia supports universal and meaningful connectivity and as an ITU Council Member we are focussed on ensuring all countries get the connectivity they need.

Since 2004, we’ve supported 28 telecommunications and ICT capacity-building projects across more than 30 countries to increase regional connectivity and close digital divides.

20/10/2026

Know someone who needs help getting online? Check out these resources ⬇️

Did you know that around 1 in 5 Australians are digitally excluded, meaning they may lack the skills, confidence or access needed to fully participate online?

That's why we're proud to support Get Online Week, a national campaign helping people build digital skills and confidence 😊💻

From 19-25 October, you can take part in free Get Online Week events to learn new skills, connect with others and discover ways to make the most of technology. You can also explore Good Things Foundation Australia's free online resources and take the next step in your digital journey: https://goodthingsaustralia.org/get-online-week/

20/10/2026

Australians deserve to feel safe online and have choice about what they see.

Proposed laws introduced to Parliament would require games, social media platforms, artificial intelligence chatbots and other online services to meet minimum safety standards and take steps to protect Australians from harmful material and conduct.

They will strengthen protections for children, give users more control over their social media feeds through the ‘My feed, My Way’ initiative, and empower the eSafety Commissioner to issue removal notices for nudify apps and websites.

Have your say on how ‘My Feed, My Way’ will work: https://www.infrastructure.gov.au/have-your-say/choice-feeds-social-media


eSafety Commissioner

19/10/2026

A stronger digital future starts with making sure no one is left behind.

This Get Online Week, we’re highlighting the programs helping Australians take their next step online — whether that’s sending an email, setting up stronger passwords, using government services, avoiding scams or joining a video call.

For older Australians, Be Connected provides free lessons and local support through libraries, community centres and digital mentors across the country.

Explore Be Connected:
https://beconnected.esafety.gov.au/

15/10/2026

October is Mental Health Month 🧠❤️

One act of self-care you can take this month is to take a fresh look at your social media experience.

🥰 Review the accounts you follow. Does their content still inspire, entertain or educate you? If not, consider muting or unfollowing accounts that no longer leave you feeling good.

🗣️ Engage in a positive way. Let people know when you enjoy their content with a Like or a supportive comment! Avoid arguing online or interacting with troll-like behaviour.

🤸🏼 Turn off notifications or set app time limits on your phone to help balance your online activities with time spent offline.

For more tips on managing your digital wellbeing, visit https://tinyurl.com/4vd2wszf

eSafety Commissioner

15/10/2026

Community radio has a special place in Australian communities. They offer a range of programs that reflect the community’s needs and interests.

Find out how we’re supporting community radio in Australia: tinyurl.com/yx5tjdne

New research finds community broadcasting improves mental wellbeing, civic participation, social cohesion and more - contributing over $485m of social value across Australia.

Read more about the new 'Social Return On Investment in Community Broadcasting' study - link below.

14/10/2026

Today is International E-Waste Day! We're supporting efforts to create a circular economy for electronics in the to reduce e-waste in the region. We're:

📱Coordinating and mapping of e-waste initiatives and assessing e-waste needs in Pacific island countries
💻Increasing public awareness and engagement on e-waste in the Pacific
🖥️Strengthening e-waste policies in Fiji and Papua New Guinea.

Find out more: tinyurl.com/4c98jewu

13/10/2026

Have you noticed that your local Telstra payphone has a little more character recently?

The ‘Free for All’ campaign celebrates payphones being free for everyone to use, with images of classic and new cartoon characters appearing on to payphones across Australia.

In the past 12 months alone, more than 25 million calls were made from Telstra payphones and with 14,000 payphones around the country, you're bound to find a place to dial in!

Share a photo of your favourite payphone in the comments, and discover how payphones continue to help keep Australians connected ➡️tinyurl.com/mthjesxv

Payphones are supported by $40 million in annual funding from the Australian Government and industry.

13/10/2026

If you’re already planning for your summer road trip it’s important to also make sure you know what to do if there’s an emergency and telecommunication networks are impacted.

Ways to be prepared include:

▪️Packing a portable battery powered AM radio and a spare set of batteries.
▪️Keeping your mobile charged and carry a battery pack.
▪️Check local weather forecasts and adjust your travel if bad weather is predicted.

Find more helpful tips at https://tinyurl.com/429yed39