The Exposure Draft includes some positive changes, but significant gaps remain requiring urgent attention.
The Justice and Equity Centre has made a submission to the Reform of the Disability Standards for Accessible Public Transport 2002 (Cth) (‘Transport Standards’) 2025 Exposure Draft Consultation.
The Exposure Draft will update the Transport Standards following a statutory review. While there are some positive changes, significant gaps remain which should be addressed as soon as possible, including:
- mandatory reporting requirements to ensure compliance with the Transport Standards;
- the establishment of a national monitoring and compliance framework;
- coverage of ride share and school buses; and
- equivalent access.
We reiterate our previous submissions to the Fourth and Third Review of the Transport Standards, and the Stage 1 and Stage 2 Regulation Impact Statement consultations, recommending these issues be addressed in the next statutory review in 2027.
We also make 13 recommendations to improve the Exposure Draft and maximise accessibility and inclusion for people with disability in public transport services, including:
- clear language distinguishing mandatory requirements in the Transport Standards and Guidelines;
- clarification of the definition of ‘boarding devices’;
- obligations to ensure equal amenity, dignity and convenience regarding access paths and booking services;
- requirements to communicate all disruptions, delays and cancellations;
- mandating the development and delivery of staff training; and
- expedited compliance timeframes.
The JEC will monitor the outcome of this consultation process and any subsequent amendments to the Transport Standards.
