Information Communication Technology accessible to these low-income communities is a key to empowerment and equity of access to the 'new technologies'.

Its use delivers benefits for the users, for related service providers, for agencies that the Government deals with and for the Government itself.

• Increased computer skills and literacy throughout the community lead to greater interaction between residents.
• Potential to develop community-based social enterprises using Internet technologies leads to greater employment opportunities.
• Enhancing service and work practices at the local level, enables all levels of government and the community services sectors to work together.
• Children and young people attending school or involved in tertiary studies will have full, independent access to PCs to conduct research, produce assignments and complete homework in ways previously beyond their means because of their families' low income.
• Vocational and community training providers will be able to develop opportunities for tenants with the support of technical and further education providers. Equally, access to the existing open learning networks will provide extended opportunities.

A potentially valuable support for the State Department of Education in its efforts to arrest and ultimately reverse the high levels of school absenteeism that occur among children in the city's public housing. The role of distance education centres will also be further enhanced.