Building Code of Australia and State/Territor Building Law

New Disability Access Standards – Effective 1 May 2011

The purpose of the Premises Standards (and corresponding changes to the Building Code of Australia and State / Territory Building Law) is: 

  • To ensure that dignified, equitable, cost-effective and reasonably achievable access to buildings, and facilities and services within buildings, is provided for people with disability, and
  • To give certainty to building certifiers, developers and managers that if standards are complied with they cannot be subject to a successful complaint under the DDA in relation to those matters covered by the Premises Standards.

1.  General Application

The Premises Standards will apply to all new buildings and to extensions or additions to existing buildings.

In most circumstances it will also be necessary to provide an accessible path of travel from the principal public entrance to the new or modified part of an existing building.

Continue reading