1 Australian Government Policy Website Accessibility OZeWAI 1 December 2004 LaTrobe University, Melbourne Jacqui Begbie, Strategic Directions & Analysis, Policy & Strategy Branch, Australian Government Information Management Office, Department of Finance and Administration

2 National Consultations Discuss the role and responsibility of government Collate information about state and territory policies, guidelines and intentions Consolidate a picture of complaints and key areas of complaint for government websites New technologies and assistive technologies Monitoring and management of website accessibility

3 Common Themes Procurement – revision of procurement clauses to include the purchase of ‘certified’ accessible products and services Standardise – develop and implement new standards, including accessibility frameworks for mobile and emerging technologies, update guidelines and best practice examples Educate - share knowledge and raise awareness among key stakeholders about accessibility Universal Design – development of practices and tools that promote Universal Design principles Benchmark, Test, Monitor – setting targets, identifying opportunities and monitoring, testing and evaluation of accessibility progress

4 Policy framework - principles Common Vision –common desire and commitment to raise awareness of accessibility issues within government and provide platforms from which to develop and implement strategies in order that EVERYONE can benefit from the opportunities that ICT can offer. Legislations and policies at all levels of government must ensure the right of access to ICT to all individuals. Government has a leading role to play in developing and implementing comprehensive and sustainable strategies that promote accessibility.

5 Government role Policy Advisor - advice on how government desired outcomes for the community might be achieved. Regulator - enforcing legislation or government rules that influence the way organisations behave. Purchaser – determines precise outputs to be purchased in terms of price, volume, quality. Provider – deliver the services they are contracted to provide under specific conditions. Employer- provide employment and ensure workplace practices and procedures support equitable working conditions for ALL employees.