Why Australian Businesses Can’t Ignore Digital Accessibility in 2025
- Eren Lindara
- Oct 16
- 2 min read
Updated: Nov 1
Introduction:
Digital accessibility isn’t just a “nice-to-have” anymore — it’s a legal, ethical, and business requirement. As more Australians rely on online services, businesses that fail to make their digital platforms inclusive risk lawsuits, public backlash, and loss of customers.
At TechDefined, we’re on a mission to change that. Founded by Eren V Lindara, who personally lives with advanced keratoconus and understands the challenges of visual impairment, we help businesses across Australia create websites and digital systems that work for everyone — not just the majority.
The Legal Reality: Accessibility Is the Law
Under the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (Cth), businesses in Australia are required to ensure their services — including digital services — are accessible to people with disabilities. This includes websites, mobile apps, online booking systems, and even digital forms.
Failure to comply can lead to formal complaints or lawsuits, and recent cases have shown that the courts are taking digital accessibility seriously.
Real Australian Cases: Lessons from the Courts
Bruce Maguire v. Sydney Organising Committee for the Olympic Games (SOCOG)This landmark 2000 case proved that websites are covered under the Disability Discrimination Act. The SOCOG website excluded visually impaired users by failing to include alt text and accessible navigation — and the court ruled it was discrimination.
Gisele Mesnage v. Coles SupermarketsMore recently, a blind consumer filed a complaint because Coles’ online grocery website wasn’t accessible with her screen reader. Coles settled and agreed to improve accessibility — but not before significant public attention and legal costs.
These cases make one thing clear: digital accessibility isn’t optional — it’s enforceable by law.
The 2025 Accessibility Push
In 2025, the Australian Human Rights Commission released updated accessibility guidelines. These guidelines extend compliance expectations to:
Mobile apps
AI-driven systems
Self-service kiosks
Online education and booking tools
That means more sectors — including healthcare, retail, and education — now fall under accessibility expectations.
Why Accessibility Makes Business Sense
Beyond avoiding lawsuits, accessibility offers real business advantages:
Reach more clients: 1 in 6 Australians lives with a disability.
Improve SEO: Google rewards accessible websites with better rankings.
Build trust: Being inclusive improves brand reputation and customer loyalty.
Accessibility is a competitive edge — not a burden.
How TechDefined Can Help
At TechDefined, we make accessibility simple.We offer:
Website and App Accessibility Audits (now available as paid professional reports)
Accessibility Remediation and WCAG 2.1 AA Implementation
TechDefined Certification — proof your business meets digital-accessibility standards
We’ve combined lived experience with technical expertise to deliver practical, affordable solutions that help Australian businesses stay ahead — and compliant.
Final Thoughts
The Australian digital landscape is changing fast. Ignoring accessibility could mean legal trouble, lost customers, and reputational damage.With TechDefined, your business can lead the way — creating online experiences that everyone can access, navigate, and trust.
Call to Action:
Book a professional accessibility audit today at www.techdefined.com.au — and make sure your business is ready for the future of inclusive digital access.
