The Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources has announced that the second stage of its review of the Disability (Access to Premises – Building) Standards 2010 has begun.
In a statement, the Department said the Premises Standards had been designed to help people living with disability, their family, carers and friends, have equal access to public buildings.
“They also make sure building certifiers, developers and managers fulfil their responsibilities to people with disability under the Disability Discrimination Act 1992,” the Department said.
The initial ‘discovery’ stage of the review focused on understanding people’s experiences of building access and of the Premises Standards themselves.
“This second stage will identify opportunities for improvement with a consultation paper that covers six main ideas,” it said.
It said these were that all the disability standards and other regulatory mechanisms worked together; were consistent improving building access; helping builders follow the rules; helping people with disability move around within new buildings more easily; more accessible toilets and change rooms; and the effects on people’s health.
The Department said the purpose of the consultation paper was to invite people to have their say about the Premises Standards and opportunities to improve them.
“The consultation paper presents the key themes from the discovery stage and asks you to consider questions about each theme,” it said.
“It also asks some general questions about improving the Premises Standards.
“The review’s scope is not limited to the themes identified in this consultation paper. It is not mandatory to respond to all questions and you may provide input only on topics you prefer.”
The Department said that in particular it wanted to hear from anyone living with disability, their family, carers and friends, and building developers, managers and certifiers who complied with the Standards and National Construction Code.
The consultation paper can be accessed at this PS News link and consultation closes on 16 April.
