Media Release: Improving access to public buildings for Australians with a disability

The Morrison Government has today released the findings of its second review of the legislation which ensures Australians living with disability have equal and dignified access to public buildings.

The second Statutory Disability (Access to Premises – Buildings) Standards 2010 (Premises Standards) Review (2021) has found that Australians living with disability are now finding it easier to access public buildings that were built after the Premises Standards were introduced in 2010.

Assistant Minister for Industry Development Jonno Duniam said the outcomes of the review align with the Morrison Government’s work under Australia’s Disability Strategy to ensure people with a disability can fulfil their potential as equal members of the community.

“The Premises Standards are about ensuring that people with disability have safe and appropriate access to public buildings, and I’m pleased to see this review indicates the Standards are achieving these objectives,” Assistant Minister Duniam said.

“The Premises Standards also give greater certainty to the building industry that they are meeting their obligations under the Disability Discrimination Act 1992.

“The review has also highlighted opportunities for action under the themes of regulatory reform, information sharing and governance, and I look forward to working with my state and territory colleagues to progress the appropriate reforms.

“Around 1 in 6 Australians, or 4.4 million people, have a disability, which is why it’s crucial that we regularly review the Premises Standards and continue to identify areas where barriers still exist and make continuous improvements.

“I am grateful to everyone involved in the consultation process for contributing their valuable insights and lived experience to this review.”

Minister for Families and Social Services Anne Ruston said adopting universal design principles helps enable everyone regardless of age or ability to use public buildings and participate in the community and workforce.

“Our focus should be on the ability and capability of every single person where there are no barriers preventing somebody from contributing to society,” Minister Ruston said.

The Government will now continue its engagement with relevant stakeholders and experts to progress the opportunities for action identified in the review.  

The Premises Standards Review 2021 is now available at industry.gov.au/PremisesStandardsReview2021.