The Rudd Government today welcomed the entry into force of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Australia was among the first to sign the Convention and the Rudd Government is committed to becoming a party to it as quickly as possible. The Rudd Government will also soon begin consulting the States and Territories on the Optional Protocol to the Convention.

The Department of Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy has prepared a discussion paper about access to electronic media by people with hearing or vision impairment. The Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy announced the release of the discussion paper today.

Deafness Forum of Australia congratulates EARS Australia on their prestigious award for development of a new product which acts to dramatically reduce workplace noise, and hence noise injury. EARS Australia designed and developed a revolutionary Exhaust Air Recycling System that recycles exhaust air from pneumatic tools back through the compressor instead of being discharged into the working environment.

The Australian Communications and Media Authority is seeking public comment on current and future issues relating to the national emergency call service numbers Triple Zero (000), 112 and 106 (for the deaf and hearing impaired).

The full release can be found at: http://www.acma.gov.au/WEB/STANDARD/pc=PC_311121

Registrations are open for the 5th National Deafness Sector Summit to be held in Canberra on 24-25 May 2008. Contact info@deafnessforum.org.au for a registration form. Early bird registration receives substantial discount!