The Australian Government have announced their plan to adhere with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 2.0. All Government websites will require Level A compliance by 2012, and Double A by 2015. The new standard replaces replaces WCAG 1.0, which was introduced as a mandated requirement for agencies in 2000.

Lindsay Tanner, Minister for Finance and Deregulation, said:

"This is an important step in making democracy more open, accessible and accountable for all Australians."

"The Australian government is progressively implementing new online technologies and looking to connect with more people online. These new standards will improve the ability of people with a broad range of disabilities to take up those opportunities and engage with the Government via the Internet."

Bill Shorten, Parliamentary Secretary for Disabilities, added:

"People with disability still face too many barriers that stop them participating in work, education and other areas. This initiative will help ensure that people with disability are not left behind by the rapid growth of the Internet."

It’s an ambitious project. Although many governments have accessibility legislation, few understand the implications or follow them through to implementation.