Australian Human Rights Commission, New guideline on Premises Standards released
31-Mar-2011

Wednesday, 30 March 2011

Disability Discrimination Commissioner, Graeme Innes, today released a guideline that will assist building professionals and those concerned with access to better understand how the Premises Standards apply to new and upgraded public buildings.

The Disability (Access to Premises – buildings) Standards 2010 (the Premises Standards) commence on 1 May 2011.

“There is no doubt that the commencement of the Premises Standards will herald the most important and widespread improvements in building access Australia has ever seen in terms of improvements in the accessibility and safety of all new and upgraded public buildings”, said Commissioner Innes.

“These changes to the way buildings are designed and built will improve the opportunities for people with disability to participate in and contribute to the economic, cultural, social and political life of our community as equal citizens”, the Commissioner said.

Commissioner Innes said that the changes will benefit every Australian and help in creating a more sustainable built environment capable of responding to our changing circumstances and our family and community needs.

Their introduction will in many cases require the development of new skills, knowledge and approaches by those in the building industry including developers, designers, architects, builders, project managers, certifiers and building operators.

The Guideline on the application of the Premises Standards is available online at www.humanrights.gov.au/disability_rights/standards/PSguide.html  

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