The Federal Court has allowed the Disability Discrimination Commissioner, Graeme Inness AM, to intervene in Julia Haraksin’s discrimination complaint against bus company Murrays Australia Ltd.

The Public Interest Advocacy Centre (PIAC) is representing Ms Haraksin (pictured above, centre), who is suing Murrays Australia after she tried to book a seat on a Murrays Australia coach to attend a work conference in Canberra. 

Murrays Australia told Ms Haraksin none of the company’s coaches could take her because she uses a wheelchair.

PIAC Solicitor Gemma Namey welcomed the Disability Discrimination Commissioner’s intervention.

‘The Commissioner has not intervened in a disability discrimination case for some years, but does so in matters that may significantly affect the human rights of people who are not parties to the proceedings,’ Ms Namey said.

The complainant, Ms Haraksin, is not seeking financial compensation from Murrays Australia.

Instead, she is seeking a Federal Court order directing Murrays Australia to comply with national disability standards that require transport providers to ensure at least 25 per cent of their vehicles are wheelchair-accessible.

‘PIAC welcomes the Commissioner’s intervention because the case against Murrays Australia has significant implications for disability discrimination law and transport providers around Australia,’ Ms Namey said.

Murrays Australia has claimed that modifications would cause the company undue hardship.

The case returns to the Federal Court on 3 May 2011.

Photo: PIAC Solicitor Gemma Namey (l), Julia Haraksin, Chris Ronalds SC.

Media contact: 

Dominic O’Grady, PIAC Media and Communications Officer.

Ph: 02 8898 6532 or 0400 110169