Social Inclusion initiatives in South Australia

Last week, Emilio Umeoka, Vice President, Microsoft Asia Pacific and responsible for Microsoft operations in this region met with Mike Rann, Premier of South Australia to discuss social inclusion initiatives.

After being elected as Premier in 2002, Mike Rann initiated South Australia’s Social Inclusion Initiative based on the British (Blair) Government’s Social Exclusion Unit.  After a successful six years, this South Australian initiative has been used as the basis for the Australian Federal Government’s Social Inclusion Agenda.

As Minister for Social Inclusion, Premier Rann works with the Commissioner for Social Inclusion, Monsignor Cappo and Social Inclusion Board on key social and community issues. The Commissioner and Board report directly to Premier Rann.

The Social Inclusion Initiative is involved in developing and driving policy and programs to improve the quality of life of vulnerable and disadvantaged South Australians across a number of areas. 

Microsoft Australia has a strong focus on digital inclusion in South Australia. Partnering with InfoXchange and Adelaide based, Connecting Up Australia to make technology accessible to not for profit and community sector, with over 200 charities in South Australia receiving software donations from Microsoft in the last financial year. 

Microsoft provides disadvantaged groups with access to IT training and skills through local partnerships with organisations such as the Smith Family, WorkVentures and the Australian Seniors Computer Club Association and through these partnerships we support more than 25 Community based Technology Learning Centres in South Australia alone.