New Premises Standards
The Australian Government Attorney Generals Department has issued New Premises Standards which come into effect on 1 May 2011 and will apply to buildings where building approval is lodged on or after that date.
The Disability (Access to Premises – Buildings) Standards 2010 (Premises Standards) set performance requirements and provide references to technical specifications to ensure dignified access to, and use of, buildings for people with a disability. They clarify the general non-discrimination provisions of the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 in relation to the design construction and management of buildings.
What is the purpose of the Premises Standards?
- The purpose of the Premises Standards is to ensure greater and dignified access to and use of buildings for people with a disability and also provide certainty to the building industry.
- The Premises Standards set performance requirements and technical specifications for non-discriminatory access. The Premises Standards provide a practical and on-going means to improved building access. The Standards achieve this by requiring that all new buildings, together with modifications of existing buildings that require a building approval, meet the standards.
- It is intended that the Building Code of Australia will be harmonised with the Premises Standards.
Need more information? The AG Dept has published this Q and A sheet: [download id=”66″]
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