Australia treats digital accessibility as a discrimination issue, not a “nice extra”. Under the federal Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (DDA), inaccessible websites and apps can be considered unlawful discrimination, and the Act applies to any organisation developing or hosting web content in Australia. The Den australske menneskerettighedskommission (AHRC) oversees the administration of the DDA.
Government agencies are required to meet the Digital Inclusion Standard. Criterion 4 in this standard is Make it Accessible. Stating that accessible digital design makes sure all individuals engage with digital services and content. To successfully meet this criterion, agencies need to make digital service accessible and comply with legislation and standards. This includes, the DDA, the latest version of the Retningslinjer for tilgængelighed af webindhold (WCAG) og den Australian Government Style Manual. This is reinforced by the national ICT accessibility standard AS EN 301 549..
The stakes are high: around 5.5 million Australians, roughly 21.4% of the population, live with disability, and non-compliance can trigger complaints to the Australian Human Rights Commission, conciliation processes, reputational damage and potential court action and financial penalties. ABS Data.
With updated 2025 AHRC guidelines on equal access to digital goods and services and a new federal Digital Experience Policy tightening expectations for accessible government services, digital accessibility in Australia is rapidly shifting from “best practice” to a clear legal and operational requirement for both public and private sectors.
Federal Law: Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) 1992
Den Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) 1992 is Australia’s primary legislation addressing accessibility and discrimination. It makes it unlawful to discriminate against people with disabilities in any service or facility, including digital services such as websites, mobile applications, and online content. The DDA sets the foundation for digital accessibility Australia-wide, promoting equal opportunity and inclusion.
Guidance from AHRC on Digital Accessibility Requirements
Under the DDA, organisations must ensure their websites and digital documents are accessible to people with disabilities. This includes providing equal access to information and online services and making reasonable adjustments to overcome barriers that may prevent users from accessing digital content. These obligations apply to sectors and industries, covering both public and private entities.
Guidance published by the AHRC includes advice for websites, digital documents, procurement, authoring tools and more. It specifically states guidelines such as WCAG, WCAG2ICT as well as standards for procurement in AS EN 301 549 and PDF/UA as the standard to meet where PDFs are provided.
Digital inaccessibility can be considered discrimination under the DDA, even if it occurs unintentionally. Therefore, proactive accessibility compliance is crucial to avoid legal risks and ensure equitable service delivery.
Håndhævelse og sanktioner
The Australian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) is responsible for handling complaints related to accessibility under the DDA. When issues cannot be resolved through mediation, cases may be escalated to the Federal Court. Courts can mandate remediation, issue public orders, and impose reputational consequences on organisations found non-compliant. This enforcement framework underscores the importance of accessibility compliance in Australia.
WCAG: Den nationale standard for digital tilgængelighed
Across Australia, the Retningslinjer for tilgængelighed af webindhold (WCAG) serve as the official technical standard for digital accessibility. These guidelines provide detailed criteria to make websites, apps, and digital content accessible to users with a wide range of disabilities.
WCAG 2.2 Level AA Is Mandatory for Government
All Australian Government websites and digital services must comply with WCAG 2.2 Level AA. This requirement extends to state and territory government agencies, which adhere to their respective digital service standards aligned with WCAG. Compliance ensures that public sector digital platforms are accessible, usable, and inclusive.
Strongly Recommended for Private Sector
While private businesses are not explicitly named in legislation, they can still face legal action under the DDA if their websites or apps are inaccessible. Following WCAG 2.2 Level AA is considered the practical legal requirement for all digital services in Australia. Adopting these standards helps private organisations reduce legal risk and demonstrate a commitment to accessibility.
Common Digital Accessibility Barriers
Removing common digital accessibility barriers is essential for compliance and enhances user experience for everyone. Key barriers include:
Poor Colour Contrast: Low contrast between text and background makes content difficult to read for users with low vision or color blindness.
Missing Alternative Text on Images: Without descriptive alt text, screen reader users cannot understand the content or purpose of images.
Videos Without Captions or Transcripts: Lack of captions excludes users with hearing impairments from accessing video content.
Forms That Can’t Be Used With a Keyboard: Forms that require mouse input prevent users who rely on keyboard navigation from completing them.
PDFs Without Proper Tagging: Untagged PDFs are inaccessible to screen readers, making their content unusable for many users.
Supporting Standards and Policies
Several national standards reinforce accessibility in digital environments:
AS EN 301 549: This standard specifies accessibility requirements for ICT products and services, aligning with WCAG principles and extending to software, hardware, and telecoms.
Digital Inclusion Standard (DIS): The Australian Government’s DSS mandates accessible design for all public digital platforms, ensuring government services meet user needs.
AS ISO/IEC 30071.1:2022: This standard is about strategy and policy for accessibility and applies to the adoption of any technical standard.
Sådan overholder du reglerne
Digital accessibility compliance is an ongoing process that requires planning, testing, and documentation to keep pace with evolving standards and technologies.
Vigtige tiltag
Conduct Regular WCAG Audits: Regular audits help identify and address new or recurring accessibility issues, ensuring continuous compliance.
Fix Accessibility Issues Promptly: Timely remediation prevents prolonged barriers and reduces legal risk.
Train Staff on Accessible Design and Content Creation: Educating teams fosters a culture of accessibility and reduces errors.
Test With Assistive Technologies (Screen Readers, Keyboard Navigation): Real-world testing ensures digital content works for all users.
Collaborate and Co-Design: Ensure inclusivity and usability for everyone by collaborating with people who have lived experience with disability through co-design.
Keep Accessibility Statements and Reports Up to Date: Transparency about accessibility efforts builds trust and accountability.
Hvorfor overholdelse af digitale tilgængelighedskrav er vigtigt
Complying with digital accessibility laws reduces legal risk, improves usability, and supports inclusion. Accessible design benefits everyone (from users with disabilities to mobile and older users) by creating seamless, usable digital experiences.
Forretningsfordele
Accessibility compliance helps organisations avoid discrimination claims under the DDA. It also expands customer reach and improves search engine optimisation (SEO), driving more traffic and engagement. Furthermore, it builds brand trust and demonstrates social responsibility, enhancing reputation and customer loyalty.
Non-Compliance Risks
Failing to comply with digital accessibility laws exposes organisations to legal action, including costly lawsuits and fines. Penalties can reach up to $250,000 per violation. Additionally, non-compliance risks reputational damage from public complaints and negative media coverage, which can impact business growth and stakeholder confidence.
The Future of Digital Accessibility in Australia
Australia continues to strengthen its accessibility framework as technology evolves and digital services become more integral to daily life. Organisations that align with the latest version of WCAG today will stay ahead of legal requirements and help create a truly inclusive digital landscape for all Australians. Proactive digital tilgængelighed compliance supports innovation, equality, and a barrier-free digital future.