by jbs031910 g3 — March 24, 2010—Australian building owners now have a clear guide for providing disability access to premises, reports the Property Council of Australia.
The Disability (Access to Premises—Buildings) Standards 2010, launched March 15 by the federal government of Australia, are the product of long-term, intensive negotiations between government, industry and the disability community, says the Council.
“Today’s launch represents the culmination of efforts to align the intent of the Disability Discrimination Act and the Building Code of Australia,” said Property Council CEO Peter Verwer. “The standard provides clear rules for the construction of all new buildings and properties undergoing extensive refurbishment. The property industry, in partnership with the disability sector, has been committed to improving access to its buildings for people with disabilities. We are pleased to see the government’s final proposals now out in the public arena.”
Verwer said the absence of a disability standard created uncertainty for property owners. “Owners who build to the Building Code at the moment are at constant risk of a complaint,” he said. “From 1 May, 2011, industry and the community alike will know what is required by the DDA and how they can comply.”
