- Vic Gov has called upon all counterparts to support the new accessibility standards
- Guidelines designed to provide dignity and fairness to Australians with mobility issues
- If implemented, 50% of all Australian housing stock will have these standards by 2050
The Victorian State Government has called for all other state and territories to support mandatory accessibility standards in the National Construction Code (NCC).
In particular, the Victorian Government supports adapting the Liveable Housing Design Guidelines (LHDG) Silver standard which ensures basic accessibility features for new homes and apartments.
Richard Wynne, the Minister for Planning, said these standards would profoundly impact the more than three million Australians that live with a disability or with restricted mobility. Additionally, he says this will allow more Australone to age without seeking specialised care – offering this growing part of the population greater dignity.
“With so many Australians living with a disability or mobility issues and an ageing population, it’s never been more important to have these standards in the Code.”
Richard Wynne, Minister for Planning
The Australian Capital Territory Government also made similar calls last week.
Features under the guidelines include new homes to feature step-free entries and showers, ground-level accessible toilets, structural reinforcements that support grab rail installation in both bathrooms and doorways, and transitional spaces that ease movement around the home.
This new mandatory standard is expected to result in 50% of all Australian housing stock having these accessibility features by 2050.
According to the Victorian Government, 1.1 million residents have some form of disability including 360,000 who identify as having a severe or profound mobility limitation.
“We’re leading the way by implementing accessibility standards in public and social housing, but it is time a regulatory standard for all housing was introduced Australia wide – the voluntary solution hasn’t worked.”
“Building Ministers have a choice to stand on the right side of history and make a decision which will improve the lives of millions of Australians.”
