In Australia, there are several laws that require organisations to make their websites and other online content accessible to people with disabilities. These laws include the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (DDA) and the Australian Human Rights Commission Act 1986 (AHRCA).
Under the DDA, it is unlawful to discriminate against people with disabilities in the areas of work, education, and the provision of goods, services, and facilities. This includes the provision of online content and services. The AHRCA establishes the Australian Human Rights Commission, which has the power to investigate and conciliate complaints of discrimination, including complaints related to web accessibility.
Organisations that fail to make their websites and other online content accessible to people with disabilities may face legal action, including complaints to the Australian Human Rights Commission and legal proceedings in the Federal Court or Federal Circuit Court.
In addition to the legal risks, organisations may also face reputational risks if they are seen as not being inclusive or as not providing equal access to their online content and services. This could lead to negative publicity and damage to the organisation’s reputation.
To reduce the risk of legal action and reputational damage, it is important for organisations to ensure that their websites and other online content are designed and developed with accessibility in mind. This may involve following web accessibility guidelines and standards, such as the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), and conducting regular testing and evaluation to ensure that the content remains accessible.