Accessibility

A person in a mobility scooter, their back facing the camera A person in a mobility scooter, their back facing the camera

Austroads, the peak organisation of Australian road transport and traffic agencies, has released a Discussion Paper on Motorised Mobility Devices (MMDs). The paper explores establishing a National Registration and Licencing Scheme and Technical Specification for MMDs, also known as powered wheelchairs or mobility scooters. The Austroads Discussion Paper AP-C107-19 makes a number of recommendations and…

Read More Austroads invites responses to Motorised Mobility Devices Discussion Paper

A series of books titles 'law cases' on a shelf A series of books titles 'law cases' on a shelf

The Victorian Legal Services Board and Commissioner (VLSB+C) seeks expressions of interest to serve on its new Consumer Advisory Committee. The VLSB+C has formed the view that it needs a deeper understanding of the needs and concerns of consumers and potential consumers of legal services. To meet this objective, the VLSB+C is establishing a Consumer…

Read More Represent consumers at Victorian Legal Services Board + Commissioner

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The bulletin looks at some of the accessibility challenges that Victorians face on public transport, and the ways in which we work to help make public transport better for everyone.  The Accessibility Bulletin is the first in a series of three annual bulletins to be released this year. Later in 2019 we will publish bulletins…

Read More Public Transport Ombudsman releases 2019 Accessibility Bulletin

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A new Customer Hardship Policy Guideline released by the Australian Energy Regulator (AER) today will bring greater clarity and consistency to the support retailers are required to provide to their customers and new penalties will apply where retailers fail to meet their obligations. “More Australian households are experiencing difficulty paying their bills. We are seeing rising levels…

Read More Hardship protections a right not a privilege

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The Australian Communications Media Authority (ACMA) has formally warned Telstra, Optus and Vodafone for failing to provide information about products and services that may suit the needs of consumers with a disability. Telcos are required to provide this information under telecommunications consumer protection rules.  ‘Telecommunications services play a vital role in the lives of all…

Read More Telcos warned about disability information failures

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Consumers International welcomes the G20’s continued recognition of the importance of consumer trust in securing the future growth of the digital economy and their support for developing effective online consumer protection and empowerment with a particular emphasis on disadvantaged and vulnerable consumers including children. The work of the G20 helps to raise awareness of new…

Read More Consumers International response to G20 digital ministers statement

A group of like-minded advocacy groups have come together to end the data drought by forming the Regional, Rural and Remote Communications Coalition to champion better communications services for consumers and small businesses living in rural, remote or regional areas. The Coalition includes the Australian Communications Consumer Action Network (ACCAN), the National Farmers’ Federation (NFF), the…

Read More ACCAN: New Coalition formed to end the data drought

Standards Australia in conjunction with the Department of Finance, Australian Communications Consumer Action Network (ACCAN) and other stakeholders, are pleased to announce Australia will be adopting an internationally aligned standard for ICT accessibility in procurement.     Standards Australia CEO, Dr Bronwyn Evans, said that the new Australian Standard is to be used as guidance…

Read More Standards Australia and Department of Finance combine to provide greater access to technology for Australians living with a disability.