Labor calls for community consultation on NRS tender
Labor has called on the Federal Government to consult with consumer groups and the National Relay Service (NRS) community on any proposed changes being considered as part of a current tender process to ensure current access levels are maintained.
The NRS is a communication service for people that are deaf and a hearing or speech impediments, this service allows them to make and receive calls.
The tender process issued by the Government leaves open the prospect that NRS services may not be required to operate on a 24/7 basis.
Shadow Communications Minister Michelle Rowland said the ongoing accessibility and quality of the NRS should be the priority.
“If every member of the Australian Parliament can pick up a phone at 1am and make a telephone call, then this right should exist for persons with a disability or impairment as well” Ms Rowland said.
“For now, we are prepared to give the government the benefit of doubt as the NRS should be a bi-partisan endeavour.
“However, if the tender begins to head down the wrong path, Labor stands ready to defend the rights of the community and the principles of access and equity upon which the NRS was founded.”
