The Australian Government is developing the Transport and Infrastructure Net Zero Roadmap to guide its policy to decarbonise Australia’s transport systems. The Justice and Equity Centre made a submission responding to the Consultation Roadmap to emphasise that a just transition to net zero must achieve equity for people and communities who are disadvantaged.
Drawing on our work promoting the rights and equal participation of people with disability, we said the Government must use the opportunity to decarbonise public transport and infrastructure to prioritise accessibility. Transport that is not accessible will continue to exclude people with disability from participating in work, education, social and cultural life.
Our submission urges the Government to ensure the Roadmap incorporates Australia’s Disability Strategy 2021-2031, which prioritises the need for accessible transport systems and adopting universal design principles.