Speech - Official Launch of Audio Description on ABC iView

Acknowledgement of country

I acknowledge the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation – the traditional owners of the lands on which we meet.

I pay my respect to Elders past and present and to all First Nations people here this morning.

This is the year of the Voice Referendum: An opportunity for us to stand together and say ‘yes’ to moving forward as a nation.

Introduction

Indeed, “moving forward” – making progress – is what today is all about.

ABC staff and special guests – welcome to you all. Happy Disability Pride Month!

And thank you to the ABC – to Chair, Ita Buttrose, Managing Director, David Anderson, and Campaign Manager, Nas Campanella – for inviting me to speak at this significant event, to officially launch the expansion of audio description on ABC iView.

The ABC’s Five-Year Plan articulates a clear objective to “produce content that responds to the diverse needs of audiences and make it accessible on the platforms where it will have the greatest impact” – with a strategic priority to “put inclusion and diversity at the heart of everything we do”.

As Minister for Communications, I am committed to improving access to media and communications services across the country – as part of the Albanese Government working for a better future for all Australians.

So it gives me no greater pleasure than to celebrate new opportunities for accessible and inclusive media.

It’s an honour to be here today with the people and organisations who have advocated so long and tirelessly for improvements for blind and vision impaired citizens and consumers – incredible outreach partners as Vision Australia, Guide Dogs, Blind Citizens and Vision 2020 Australia, and also PIAC.

At risk of excluding individuals, I want to acknowledge Ms Lauren Henley, and Wayne Hawkins from ACCAN for educating me and sharing your mission.

Everyone here should feel proud of the outcomes you’ve helped facilitate for accessible media. Progress is often hard-won – even when we’re told that it’s impossible, unaffordable or technologically infeasible to do by vested interests – so let us savour this moment.

Audio Descriptions on ABC iView

Today, we mark another step forward in realising equal access to quality content for all Australians.

Accessibility is at the core of our vision for a connected, informed and inclusive society.

The Albanese Government acknowledges that it is a fundamental right for every individual to enjoy a vast array of news, current affairs, educational resources, and entertainment.

With the expansion of audio description on ABC iView, another barrier has been broken down in the push towards a more inclusive media landscape.

Audio description provides a vivid and immersive experience for people with vision impairment.

And it opens a whole new world of storytelling to ensure no one is left behind in this digital age.

As Shadow Minister in 2019, I announced a policy proposal to fund the national broadcasters, the ABC and SBS, to implement audio description.

When the then Coalition Government adopted this policy – one year later providing funding, I welcomed it.  

In 2020, the ABC first launched its audio description services for TV and now – with ABC iView on demand – audiences can enjoy more of their favourite programs whenever, and wherever suits them.

Thanks to the ABC’s commitment to ongoing dialogue with their audiences, there is now a much better understanding of how people with specific needs would like to watch audio described shows, and what programs are in high demand.

Five-year funding and strategy

In the most recent Budget, the Government provided stable funding to the ABC and SBS by introducing 5-year funding terms, to support the independence of the national broadcasters, as well as long-term planning and opportunities for innovation.

Part of the stabilisation of funding included rolling terminating measures into base funding and, as a result, indexed funding for audio description on the ABC and SBS is now ongoing.

This means: AD is here to stay.

What’s more, it is likely to continue expanding on its capabilities.

Progress in the provision of audio description, on television and on-demand, with the national broadcasters demonstrating the pathway forward in Australia, speaks to the value of public service media. 

The ABC conducted the first trial of AD on TV in Australia, back in 2012, funded by the Gillard Government. 

Over a decade later, I am keenly aware that there is more for Government to do, and I am committed to working with the wider broadcast industry in a consultative manner, on a framework and timetable to realise improvements in the provision audio description in Australia.

This dialogue with industry is in train and my Department is working to develop policies on the provision of audio description in Australia.

Our ongoing consultation with industry and with members of blind and vision impaired communities will assist us in cultivating the most effective steps forward in this space.

We recognise that accessibility is more than just a feature you can switch on or off; it is a transformative tool that enables all to engage, connect and participate.

I extend my appreciation to the ABC for their dedication and unwavering commitment to supporting access to high-quality content for all Australians.

As ABC Managing Director, David Anderson, has said numerous times, the core mission of the ABC is enduring.

Remaining relevant, delivering value for all and continuing to be the most trusted media organisation in the country is the central purpose of the national broadcaster.

Today’s event is a demonstration of how we are adapting and evolving as a nation, and how the ABC’s newly established Five-Year Plan, will position the institution to continue to have an essential role in Australian life.

Our public broadcasters, like our governments, must strive to reach and represent all Australians.

To build the inclusive Australia that we want for tomorrow, we must act today.

I know there is more to do, and everyone here – including myself as Minister – wants meaningful progress. I have tasked my Department with that policy work, and I look forward to being able to say more in future.

Thank you again for inviting me to address this encouraging launch, in what is a very important milestone for ABC iView and, more importantly, Australia’s blind and vision-impaired communities.