Negotiations to
develop an Access to Premises Standard under the
Disability Discrimination Act have hit a
snag, with a push to introduce a Standard that
would not require lifts in 2 and 3 storey
buildings.
This would make it legal
to discriminate against:
- people using
mobility devices such as wheelchairs,
scooters and walking frames
- people who are
temporarily on crutches or who have
injuries
- people with small
children in prams or
strollers
- older people
who can no longer easily walk up
steps
As well as the many other
people who for a range of reasons cannot or
would prefer not to have to walk up multiple
flights of stairs.
People living in
regional and rural Australia will be
particularly hard hit, because there are few
buildings taller than 3 storeys in these
communities.
Why is this being
proposed?
The property
industry has argued that equitable access to
buildings is too expensive.
This is not true.
Australia can easily afford the estimated
annual net cost of $700 million (for 15
years).
The current federal
budget surplus is $4.5 billion (estimated).
If it needs to, the Government can subsidise
the cost of accessibility for small
businesses.
What can you
do?
Tell the Government that
Australia cannot afford not to introduce
equitable access - particularly with an ageing
population.
- Call or visit your
local Member of Parliament and ask him or her
to oppose this proposal.
- Write to your local
Federal Member of Parliament opposing the
proposal and send a copy to the Prime
Minister and the Attorney-General (see sample
letter attached).
- Write a letter to the
editor of your local newspaper.
- Call your local
talk-back radio program and tell them what is
happening and why you think it is
wrong.
Contact your local
kindergartens, child care centres, seniors clubs
and other organisations and let them know what
is happening.
