Building law report

A REPORT on proposals to alter the building law is poised to ensure equitable access to all new buildings for those people with disabilities, older Australians and for parents with prams.

The Australian Building Codes Board has released the report, titled Disability Standard on Access to Premises.

The report looks at the progress being made in overcoming the inconsistencies that exist between the Building Code of Australia and the Disability Discrimination Act.

If the proposed changes are adopted, anyone involved in new developments will know exactly what they have to do to meet both sets of requirements.

The boards has expressed an intention to finalise within a year a new set of standards to support the building code and make it consistent with the human rights rules.

The financial impact of such regulatory changes has not been discussed, however the board’s Building Access Policy Committee will seek feedback from the industry and the disability sector next month.