The Hon Bill Shorten MP
Parliamentary Secretary for Disabilities
and Children's Services

Senator the Hon Stephen Conroy
Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy
Deputy Leader of the Government in the Senate

Mobile communications made more accessible

The Rudd Government today welcomed industry efforts to improve the accessibility of mobile communications services for the aged and people with disabilities.

"Helping people to understand the features of mobile devices and services that meet their specific needs will go a long way to improving accessibility," said Senator Stephen Conroy, Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy.

"Mobile services offer great opportunities for the aged and people with disabilities for social inclusion, independence and security. The Global Accessibility Reporting Initiative will help more people to enjoy the many benefits of mobile communications."

Senator Conroy and Parliamentary Secretary for Disabilities, Bill Shorten MP, today helped launched the Global Accessibility Reporting Initiative (GARI) with the Mobile Manufacturers Forum (MMF) and the Australian Mobile Telecommunications Association (AMTA).

The industry initiative will include an online resource providing clear and detailed information and reviews of mobile device features to help users understand and indentify products that meet their needs.

"The Rudd Government has made it a priority to improve the accessibility of communications services and this industry initiative fits well with our efforts in this area," Senator Conroy said.

Parliamentary Secretary for Disabilities Bill Shorten said society had a responsibility to remove barriers that prevent people with disability from accessing public services, such as communications technology.

He commended Telstra and Telecommunications Journal of Australia on launching the Christopher Newell Prize to reward research that demonstrates how technology could assist people with disabilities.

"If people with disability are to be full participants in society it is crucial that they have the same access to phones, the internet and other forms of communication as the rest of the community," Mr Shorten said.

"This prize builds on the excellent work being done by people in the telecommunications industry to make sure their products can benefit all Australians."

Date: 24 June 2009
Contact: Tim Marshall (Senator Conroy’s Office) 0408 258 457
Ben Ruse (Bill Shorten’s Office) 0407 030 808