Disclaimer: The following is a personal interpretation of the conversations held at the Physical Disability Council of NSW AGM. It may not accurately reflect the full views or intentions of the speakers. The personal views expressed may not align with the views of my employer.

As governments continue to accelerate their digital agendas, the tension between innovation and equity becomes increasingly visible. It’s a space I’ve worked in for many years across various government roles, helping ensure that the shift toward digital doesn’t come at the cost of accessibility or inclusion.

At this year’s Physical Disability Council of NSW Annual General Meeting, we heard from the Hon. Victor Dominello MP, who shared insights into the accessibility improvements being rolled out across government, particularly those that leverage digital tools and service design. It was an encouraging update and one that reaffirmed a truth many of us in this space already know: digital, when done right, can be transformative. But only if it’s built to include.

Technology has the potential to break down barriers whether through screen readers, real-time captions, Auslan interpretation, alternative text for images, audio description or content translation. I’ve been proud to champion many of these investments throughout my time in the public sector, embedding accessible design principles in content creation, communications and service delivery.

These aren’t just technical upgrades. They’re statements of intent: clear signals that the public sector is committed to ensuring people with disability, people with low English proficiency and others who are systemically excluded aren’t just accommodated, but actively considered from the start.

Because let’s be honest: while digital transformation can unlock new forms of participation, it can also create new forms of exclusion. The promise of digital is only as good as the thought and care that go into its implementation. Without that, we risk creating systems that are sleek, fast and utterly inaccessible.

Events like this AGM, and the upcoming Digital.NSW Showcase at the end of this month, are crucial reminders of what’s at stake. They ask us not just to celebrate progress, but to interrogate it: Who is this system for? Who gets left behind? What assumptions are baked into our designs? What barriers still remain?

These questions are not abstract. They’re about real people who rely on public services every day and deserve dignity, autonomy and agency in how they interact with the world.

It was a privilege to attend the PDCN AGM to witness these vital conversations. As always, I left energised by the commitment and calibre of the people in the room, particularly Serena Ovens and the PDCN team, whose work continues to shape a more inclusive and responsive future for people with disability in NSW.

And finally, I was honoured once again to serve as Returning Officer for the AGM. This year also marked the close of an extraordinary chapter, as Chris Sparks OAM stepped down as President. Chris has been a fierce advocate and respected leader, and his legacy is deeply felt across the sector. I wish him, and the incoming leadership, every success in the years to come.