Wednesday 3 December 2003
Celebrating today‘s achievements and tomorrow’s plans
Federal Disability Discrimination Commissioner, Dr Sev Ozdowski said that International Day of People with Disabilities is a time when the achievements and contributions of people with disabilities in our community are celebrated.
“It is also a time to take stock of the changes taking place around us that will ensure people with disabilities have equal opportunity to enjoy all the benefits a community has to offer,” said Dr Ozdowski.
One of the most exciting developments recently has been the completion of work on drafting proposed changes to the Building Code of Australia (BCA), so that relevant sections can be picked up as part of a new national Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) standard on access to premises.
The proposals will cover a wide range of access features including: building entrances; use of lifts; access to different levels of a building, and; the availability of accessible facilities.
“I look forward to the release, early next year, of proposed changes to Australia’s building law, which should make buildings more accessible and safer for all Australians, which is vital as our population grows older,” the Commissioner said.
Work on developing changes to the BCA and a draft Premises Standard under the DDA has been undertaken by the Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB), along with representatives from all levels of government, the disability sector, property owners, developers and the design and regulation sectors.
“The proposed changes are designed to ensure that building owners and operators can have confidence that if they comply with the new BCA they will also be fulfilling their responsibilities under the DDA,” Dr Ozdowski said.
More information on the proposed changes to building law can be found on the ABCB website at www.abcb.gov.au
Commissioner Ozdowski also expressed concern at the release this week of the latest report from the Public Service Commissioner State of the Service, which showed that the employment rate of people with disabilities in the Public Service continued to drop from around 5 per cent in 1998 to around 3.7 per cent in 2003.
“These figures show that much more needs to be done to recruit and retain people with disabilities in the Public Service,” Dr Ozdowski said. “The government needs to set a good example by developing strategies to tap into the enormous pool of skill and experience that exists in the community.”
“As we celebrate International Day of People with Disabilities let’s continue to work towards ensuring that people with disabilities have access to all services and the opportunities other citizens have.”
Media contact: Paul Oliver (02) 9284 9880 or 0408 469 347
Last updated 2 December 2003.
