Accessibility and digital inclusion

Accessibility is removing barriers – inclusion is avoiding them in the first place.

On this page:

• Accessibility
• HTML is the default for government
• Digital inclusion

Accessibility

Our digital services must be accessible to everyone. This is a requirement under the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 and the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0AA.

HTML is the default for government

HTML means Hyper Text Markup Language. It is the preferred content format for government because it:

• is widely accessible
• doesn’t restrict people from using content due to mobile use, remote location or disability
• is easier to update and maintain.

Digital inclusion

Digital inclusion means designing for as many people as reasonably possible from the beginning. Designing for everyone from the start reaches more people and delivers more value.

Why digital inclusion counts

• Inclusion is law  
  • Anti-discrimination legislation implemented by the Australian Government
  • Government-mandated Web Content Accessibility Guidelines
   
• Rise in digital services – we’re experiencing an increase in digital services in government and the broader community
• Diversity – people approach the same content in different ways, based on their skills, background, education and ability
• Reach – inclusive content reaches the most taxpayers
• Expectations of government – community expectations of government digital services continue to grow
• Diversity of device, technology and ability – how people connect with us varies

Next step:

• Resources