AMTA and Mobile Manufacturers Forum Global Accessibility Reporting Initiative Launch
Wednesday, 24 June 2009
Welcome to everyone – colleagues and visitors – to Parliament House this morning.
It is my great pleasure to be here today for the launch of a new resource to improve the accessibility of mobile communications.
Congratulations to the Australian Mobile Telecommunications Association and the Mobile Manufacturers Forum for this fantastic innovation.
Welcome also to MMF Secretary General Michael Milligan back to Australia from Hong Kong.
From humble beginnings when it launched in our country only two decades ago, the mobile phone has become indispensible for millions of Australians.
For business, family and social life, the mobile is now an essential tool.
Few among us today could imagine managing our day-to-day activities without the help of mobile communications.
However, despite there being more than one mobile out there for every Australian, many in our society still face barriers preventing their access to the benefits of mobile communications.
For the aged or people with disabilities, the ability to stay in touch using mobile communications is of obvious benefit from social, health and safety perspectives.
As the mobile becomes more common as a gateway to the internet and associated services, the benefits will become even more pronounced.
With mobiles now such an important part of everyday life, accessibility has been a growing issue for governments, regulators and consumer advocacy groups.
The mobile sector should be commended for developing the Global Accessibility Reporting Initiative.
This industry initiative responds to the need to improve the ability of certain groups – like the aged or those with disabilities – to access mobile communications.
Providing clear and detailed information, and reviews of mobile device features, will help users understand and identify products that best meet their needs.
Improving awareness about these features will boost the ability of all people in the community to enjoy the benefits of mobile communications.
Many mobile devices have special features to improve accessibility… things like:
- tactile keys for the vision impaired,
- visual alerts for the hearing impaired, and
- hands-free operation for those with limited movement.
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.
We are currently undertaking a feasibility study into a new program facilitating access to specialised equipment for people with disabilities.
It is worth noting that submissions to this feasibility study have identified a lack of information about telecommunications products and services as a significant barrier to access.
Emerging technologies are a key enabler for the many benefits of the digital economy.
This includes new opportunities in business, health care and education that will be made possible by the National Broadband Network.
Our feasibility study is looking at emerging technologies and whether the existing support program is capable of meeting community needs.
I am looking forward to receiving a report – including a range of options to improve access to communications tools and services – for consideration later this year.
But today we are here to celebrate the Global Accessibility Reporting Initiative.
Congratulations to the Mobile Manufacturers Forum and the Australian Mobile Telecommunications Association for bringing this important project to life.
Mobile devices offer great opportunities for the aged and people with disabilities for social inclusion, independence and security.
However, finding the right mobile handset to meet specific individual needs can be a challenge.
This project helps to overcome the mobile accessibility challenge.
This is a landmark announcement for the sector and for members of our community who currently struggle to access the many benefits of mobile communications.
It is now my pleasure to officially launch the Global Accessibility Reporting Initiative.
Congratulations and thank you.
