Mr Graeme Innes

Deputy Disability Discrimination Commissioner

Disability Rights Unit

Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission

Mr Innes,

I have only just become aware of Airnorth's application for exemption from provisions in the DDA.  Airnorth is the only carrier between Broome and Darwin via Kununurra and is our link to Perth.  It is of great concern to hear of this application as it is bound to have an adverse affect on people with disabilities wanting to access this region for recreational or work purposes and those going to, or returning from medical treatment only available in Perth.  It appears that what Airnorth are proposing will incur a significant cost burden on people with disabilities and impose the inconvenience of finding suitable and available carers.  To engage a carer simply to accompany a passenger on this route would be very difficult, especially for the many people with disabilities who do not require a carer in their daily lives. 

I strongly oppose the exemption that Airnorth are seeking as it further disadvantages people with disabilities living in the region.  I have known several people who are wheelchair users to use this airline in the past with no issues whatsoever and trust that this continues to be the case in future. 

Regards

Wendy Jones

Kimberley LAC A/Supervisor

Disability Services Commission