Abstract

In its submission to the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs Inquiry into the draft Disability (Access to Premises - Buildings) Standards, PIAC focuses on the compliance, monitoring and enforcement of the Standards, with limited comments only on the technical specifications. PIAC notes that the exclusion of housing (both single dwelling and multi-dwelling developments) is inappropriate given the need to increase the affordable and accessible housing stock in Australia. In relation to compliance, monitoring and enforcement, PIAC notes the need to ensure effective monitoring and compliance mechanisms are established and in place from the commencement of the Standards to ensure the effectiveness of the Standards can be properly measured. PIAC proposes several mechanisms for monitoring compliance, and seeks amendment to the current law to ensure that the Australian Human Rights Commission and disability sector organisations have standing to bring complaints alleging failure to comply with the Standards.