Former Disability Discrimination Commissioner, Mr Graeme Innes AM, has been appointed by the Australian Bankers’ Association to head up a review of existing electronic accessibility standards.

The review is vital in ensuring that all Australians are able to access banking including ATMs, Eftpos, online banking and banking apps, and that bank staff receive appropriate training.

The ABA’s Deputy CEO, Diane Tate, said the future of banking is rapidly changing.

“Technology is a huge enabler for many people but not everybody. We need to make sure that banking is as accessible and easy as possible.

“We need to ensure that standards today enable all Australians to enjoy equal access to banking, which is a vital part of modern life. We look forward to Graeme’s insights into what the industry can do to achieve this,” Ms Tate said.

Dr Innes said he is very pleased to be involved in the review.

“Banks led the way on voluntary industry standards in the ‘90s. I’m happy to be involved to be working with them again to make those standards relevant for today,” Dr Innes said.

“Dr Innes and TCC Strategic Consulting will engage with a wide range of stakeholders including, the disability sector, banks, government agencies and the technology sector as part of the overarching review.

“As a former Disability Discrimination Commissioner at the Australian Human Rights Commission I am passionate about equality and access to services. Technology has moved so quickly that we need to ensure that products are not just fit for today, but also for the future.

“I applaud the ABA for seeking to consult broadly with a range of organisations in the banking and disability sectors and myself and TCC strategic are looking forward to being involved in this review,” Dr Innes said.

The review will look at existing standards, accessible authentication principles, existing bank accessibility plans, and domestic and international best practices.

Contacts:

Graeme Innes 0412 369 963; TCC Strategic Consulting: Dominique Antarakis 0409 911 891 ABA: Kelly Stevens 0497 577 133 Nathalie Samia 0410 348 531

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