The Government yesterday announced the start of new building accessibility standards, designed to ensure all new and upgraded public buildings in Australia will be accessible to people with a disability.

Starting yesterday, 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.

Minister for Innovation Senator Kim Carr said the changes were 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," Senator Carr said.

"The new building codes give everybody involved the certainty they need for future investments."

“The start of the national Premises Standards marks a huge improvement for access to buildings for people with disability,” Attorney-General Robert McClelland said.

“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.”

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.

Copies of the Premises Standards and associated documents are available at www.ag.gov.au and further information on the Standards is available at www.hreoc.gov.au.

Architecture & Design Team

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