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What is Netflix Australia?
Netflix Australia is a subscription video on demand service provider that allows consumers to watch video entertainment online. Key information about this provider includes:
- Netflix, the parent company of Netflix Australia, operates in over 190 countries around the world, making it one of the largest global online video services.
- Netflix produces original content in addition to streaming the content of others.
- Netflix Australia’s content offers a smaller and different variety of content to Netflix in the United States, but still contains thousands of movies and TV shows available to watch instantly on any device that streams Netflix.
- Subscriptions are monthly and can be cancelled at any time.
How can I join and play videos using Netflix Australia?
To join Netflix Australia, you will need a credit or debit card.
- Go to the Netflix Australia website
- Select the ‘Join free for a month’ button
- Follow the on-screen prompts
Note: If you do not want to be charged for using Netflix Australia, you will need to cancel before the end of your 1-month free trial.
To watch Netflix, you will need a device that is:
- Connected to the internet
- Capable of running a web browser or a Netflix app
Devices can include:
- Smart TV
- Game console
- Streaming media player
- Smartphone or tablet
- Desktop or laptop computer
Specific information can be found on the Netflix Australia Device page
What accessibility features are common to playing videos online?
There are two main features that support the playback of online videos in an accessible way:
- Captions: this is the text version of speech and other sound that can be provided on videos. Captions can be either open (which means the captions are always on) or closed (which allows the consumer to turn the captions on or off).
- Audio description: this is when spoken narration is used to describe visual content. Narration is usually included between bits of dialogue and can be used to describe visual elements such as scenes, settings, actions and costumes.
In addition, the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) has produced the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0 to make sure that creators of web and app content can include accessibility features such as captions, audio description and an accessible interface for assistive technology users. A simplified version of this standard is also available.
How accessible is Netflix Australia?
According to research conducted by Curtin University, Perth:
- Closed captions are available on most videos.
- Audio description can be found on some videos.
- The website and apps on devices such as tablets are not entirely WCAG 2.0 compliant, meaning that some users are likely to experience difficulties in finding and playing video content with their assistive technologies.
What tips and tricks can I use to overcome the accessibility barriers on Netflix Australia?
Here are some tips and tricks provided by consumers that have used Netflix Australia to maximise your accessibility:
- Try a different device: consumers have indicated that some platforms may be easier to use with assistive technologies than others. For example, if you are having difficulty with the website, the app on an Android-based tablet or an iOS device such as an iPad may work better with the device’s built-in accessibility features.
- Audio description-only link: the web portal has a link that allows you to just view content with audio description. Just log into Netflix Australia, scroll down to the bottom of the webpage and select ‘audio description’.
- Language icon: to select captions and audio description if available in the web portal, search for the video you would like to play, then select the Language icon in the bottom right corner of the video player. You will then find all the available accessibility features.
- More audio description on the way: a settlement between Netflix and the American Council of the Blind (ACB) and Netflix in April 2016 has led to Netflix committing to make changes to its USA service which is likely to improve Netflix Australia. Improvements discussed in the settlement consist of better searching options and a significant improvement in available titles, particularly new titles.
Are there more accessible video on demand services available?
There are a number of different subscription video on demand services available to consumers, and these services offer different accessible content. With most services offering some form of free trial, it may be worth testing a service to determine which one works best for you. In addition to this tip sheet, Curtin University has also created tip sheets for Stan, Presto, Quickflix and Foxtel Play.
The video I want to play is not accessible. What can I do?
If you are unable to find or play a video due to accessibility issues, there are a number of steps you can take to voice your concerns. Please refer to the Video on Demand Subscription Services: Accessibility and Your Consumer Rights tip sheet created by Curtin University as part of this series or follow the links in the help section below.
Where can I get additional help and information?
For additional help regarding Netflix Australia, you can go to:
The operation of the Australian Communications Consumer Action Network is made possible by funding provided by the Commonwealth of Australia under section 593 of the Telecommunications Act 1997. This funding is recovered from charges on telecommunications carriers.
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What is a video on demand subscription service?
A video on demand subscription service provides consumers with the ability to watch videos online for a regular subscription fee, usually monthly. The term ‘videos’ can include TV shows and movies.
What accessibility features are common to playing videos online?
There are two main features that support the playback of online videos in an accessible way:
- Captions: this is the text version of speech and other sound that can be provided on videos. Captions can be either open (which means the captions are always on) or closed (which allows the consumer to turn the captions on or off).
- Audio description: this is when spoken narration is used to describe visual content. Narration is usually included between bits of dialogue and can be used to describe visual elements such as scenes, settings, actions and costumes.
In addition, the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) has produced the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0 to make sure that creators of web and app content can include accessibility features such as captions, audio description and an accessible interface for assistive technology users. A simplified version of this standard is also available.
How do different subscription services compare?
According to research conducted by Curtin University in Perth, the following table highlights the five most popular subscription services in Australia and their accessibility as of mid-2016. More detail on these services are highlighted in other Tip Sheets.
| Provider | Captions? | Audio description? | WCAG 2.0 compliant? |
| Netflix Australia | Yes (most titles) | Yes (limited titles) | No |
| Stan | Yes (some titles) | No | No |
| Quickflix | Yes (few titles, difficult to identify) | No | No |
| Presto | No | No | No |
| Foxtel Play | No | No | No |
The video I want to play is not accessible. What are my consumer rights?
Currently there is no specific law in Australia that applies to the accessibility of subscription video on demand services. There are, however, some important facts to be aware of which may help support your viewing choices and can potentially provide an opportunity to raise concerns about this issue.
- Policies and legislation in the United States require high levels of accessibility in video on demand services. As such, USA-based services such as Netflix feature more accessibility and are likely to continue increasing their accessible content.
- Broadcast (‘free-to-air’) television in Australia is required to provide captioning under specific circumstances. As such, several cases have been lodged with the Australian Human Rights Commission arguing that online video should also be made accessible. This may result in improvements in the future for Australian-based services.
- While there is no specific Australian law that relates to the inclusion of accessibility in content delivered online, Section 24 of the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 does require that information should be provided to people with disabilities, and this is what has formed the basis for legal challenges.
- Some video on demand subscription providers such as Presto and Foxtel Play have community boards which can provide a mechanism to complain directly to the provider if there is a lack of access.
- Audio described content has been trialled in Australia on the ABC broadcast service and ABC iview free streaming service, suggesting that there is some progress being made in increasing the awareness of online audio described content in Australia.
The operation of the Australian Communications Consumer Action Network is made possible by funding provided by the Commonwealth of Australia under section 593 of the Telecommunications Act 1997. This funding is recovered from charges on telecommunications carriers.
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2024 Grants Round
This year's round is now closed.
We are here to help!
If you are thinking of applying next year, we encourage you to speak with us in advance. The Grants Team is available to help, including providing feedback on your project idea and answering any questions you have.
Below you can find all the information you need about the 2024 Round:
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- Apply for a grant
ACCAN is committed to best serving telecommunications consumers by administering a high quality Grants Program that is responsive to consumer needs. We have a two-stage application process, with only Streams depending on the type of work you are planning to do.
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- Hardship Portal
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- Hardship Portal
Financial hardship happens when you are unable to meet repayment obligations for a service that you're using. Basically, you're finding it hard to pay one or more of your bills.
When people sign up to a plan or service, they're usually confident they'll be able to pay the bill. Unfortunately later, due to an unexpected event or circumstance, they are unable to pay anymore. In other cases, there are those that are unable to afford the bill from the beginning. These situations are all covered by the term 'financial hardship'.
If you find yourself unable to pay you will need to tell your telephone, mobile or internet provider you are experiencing "financial hardship". The company's customer service representative can then offer you the help you need.
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Experiencing Financial Hardship
Welcome to ACCAN’s financial hardship portal. Here you can find useful information about what you can do if you are struggling to pay your bills.
Financial hardship happens when you are unable to meet repayment obligations for services that you’re using.
If you find yourself unable to pay a bill you will need to tell your service provider that you are experiencing financial hardship so that they can help you.
You can also talk to a financial counsellor for free and anonymous help.
Visit ‘How Can I Get Help’ to see the contact details for your service provider, and for more information about financial counsellors.
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If you're having difficulty paying lots of bills at once, you can call a financial counsellor. Financial counsellors help you work through the issues and identify options. Their services are free and confidential. They can help you figure out what to do – how to organise your money, how to pay your bills, how to get the support you need. Even if you feel you are coping, a fresh set of eyes may help you sort things out more quickly, or identify other forms of assistance you weren't aware of.
You can phone a financial counsellor from anywhere in Australia by calling 1800 007 007 (minimum opening hours are 9.30 am – 4.30 pm Monday to Friday). This number will automatically switch through to the service in the State or Territory you are calling from.
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If you're finding it hard to pay your phone or internet bill, you are not the only one. Lots of people face unexpected circumstances at different times in their lives – like losing a job, having a relationship breakdown, becoming sick or even after bushfires, floods and cyclones.
The contact details of Optus, Vodafone and Telstra can be found on the Get Help page.
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Contacting a financial counsellor
Call a financial counsellor for free on 1800 007 007
For more helpful information visit the website for Financial Counselling Australia’s National Debt Helpline.
How talking to a financial counsellor can help you
If you're having difficulty paying your bills, you can call a financial counsellor. Their services are free and confidential.
They can help you figure out:
- how to organise your money
- how to pay your bills
- how to get the support you need.
Even if you feel you are coping, a fresh set of eyes may help you sort things out more quickly, or identify other forms of assistance you weren't aware of.
A financial counsellor can talk to your service provider for you
Often, phone, mobile and internet providers do not give out financial hardship contact details directly to customers.
However, many financial counsellors know the systems well and who to talk to. If a financial counsellor calls your provider on your behalf you are more likely to get the help you need.
Financial counsellors may also know other services you can use as well as other forms of assistance you could be eligible for.