The digital divide and social inclusion among refugee migrants: A case in regional Australia

Purpose: This paper examined the factors which influence refugee migrants’ adoption of digital technology and its relevance to their social inclusion in Australia. Design/methodology/approach: This research developed a conceptual framework keeping the ‘use’ of digital technology as the centre-piece of the digital divide. The empirical data was derived from a series of focus group discussions with refugee migrants in an Australian regional city, Toowoomba in Queensland. Findings: There is a digital divide among refugee migrant groups and it is based on inequalities in physical access to and use of digital technology, the skills necessary to use the different technologies effectively and the ability to pay for the services. The opportunities to use digital technology could support the social inclusion of refugee migrant groups in the broader Australian community.