12 May 2011 – The Gillard Government has announced the start of new building accessibility Standards, ensuring all new and upgraded public buildings in Australia will be accessible to people with a disability.
The Disability (Access to Buildings – Premises) Standards 2010 (Premises Standards) came into effect in late April, 2011, as part of The Federal Government’s National Disability Strategy.
“The start of the national Premises Standards marks a huge improvement for access to buildings for people with disability,” says Attorney-General Robert McClelland.
“The new Premises Standards will apply to any application for a building approval for a new public building or upgrade of an existing public building.
“Providing better access to public buildings will remove a significant barrier for people with a disability accessing services, employment and taking part in the community.
“The access requirements in the Premises Standards operate throughout Australia and are complemented by building regulations in each State and Territory.”
Minister for Innovation Senator Kim Carr says the changes are good for both the building industry and people with disability.
“The Australian Government will work with industry to improve access to buildings in Australia for people with disabilities,” Carr adds.
“The new Building Codes give everybody involved the certainty they need for future investments.”
Parliamentary Secretary for Disabilities and Carers, Jan McLucas, also welcomes the commencement of the Standards.
“Ensuring our communities are accessible and well designed for people with disability is an important part of the National Disability Strategy.”
The National Disability Strategy sets a 10-year reform plan that will help to ensure that people with disability have the same opportunities as other Australians.
“The Standards demonstrate Australia’s commitment to effective implementation of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.”
The Premises Standards had been under development since 2001. The Standards were developed in consultation with representatives of the disability sector and industry, as well as the Australian Building Codes Board and the Australian Human Rights Commission.
More information
Copies of the Premises Standards and associated documents are available at www.ag.gov.au
For additional information about the Standards visit www.hreoc.gov.au
An excellent step forward for society as a whole, as it keeps Australia on a near par with other European standards & legislation for disability in the built environment. It’s implementation should be viewed as a positive move for universal access principles, which all of us at some point in our lives, will lean to appreciate more.