The rollout of the NBN was one of many issues contested during the election campaign, but it would appear neither side is offering a system to beat the world.
Australia's ranking when it comes to "networked readiness" has slipped from 16th to 18th, according to the World Economic Forum's global information technology report for 2016.
Australia ranked nine in 2004.
Australian Industry Group chief Innes Willox said despite the efforts from all sides of politics to improve our digital readiness, Australia clearly still has some way to go to regain a place inside the world's top 10.
"The 2016 result is disappointing, especially at a time of economic and political uncertainty when we should be doing all we can to improve our productive performance at all levels and through all means," Mr Willox said in a statement on Wednesday.
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He said there is a clear gap between the top seven ranked economies and other advanced economies.
Singapore, northern Europe and the US dominate the rankings as businesses embrace new digital technologies and innovations as core parts of their operations.
Even Iceland and New Zealand have edged ahead of Australia in the past year.
"This serves as a reminder that if we do not work harder to continue to improve our competitiveness, we will be further left behind by other advanced economies," Mr Willox said.
