From: Madonna Nicoll 
Sent: Friday, 9 September 2005 1:23 PM
To: disabdis
Subject: Submission re: Notice of exemption application: Australasian
Railway Association 

Dear David

I am writing in response to the Australasian Railway Associations application for exemption under the Disability Discrimination Act transport standards. I feel as a power wheelchair user that this exemption would further induce injustices to people with disabilities requiring full participation as Australian citizens.

Disability rights instruments are to protect and promote the inherent rights of individuals with disabilities, which will be impacted on if this exemption is supported by the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission.
Equal Opportunity can only be obtained and upheld by rigorous application of these measures. Rights for people with disabilities are no longer a new concept, thus the proposed changes should have been foreseen and expected by such an important industry. I implore that the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission deny this application to remain fair and just to people with disabilities and to encourage the further progression of disability access and rights.


Yours sincerely




Madonna Nicoll