What’s the hold up NSW and WA?

Physical Disability Australia
Blog
Jul 2024

NSW and WA are still holding out on signing up for the Housing Standards/National Construction Code agreed by the rest of Australia’s states and territories.

This refusal to sign up to a set of design standards that ensures that basic accessibility needs for all people are met on new housing developments, is beyond understanding.

Modelling based on these standards has shown that these amended requirements will add a mere 1% to the cost of a new build.

But in failing to adopt this new code, these rogue states are ensuring that fewer houses are available for people with disability and older people.

In turn, this potentially leads to thousands of Australians unable to live in homes built to accommodate their needs, thereby forcing more people into specialist disability housing and aged care, and putting greater pressure on the NDIS and state governments.

Building Better Homes Campaign is working to pressure the NSW Government to do the right thing, to join Australia’s forward thinking Governments and end discriminatory housing.

To get behind this important push, sign the open letter to NSW State political leaders by going to:

www.buildingbetterhomes.org.au/new-south-wales/

And WA, pull your finger out. You’re next!

Physical Disability Australia (PDA) is a national peak Disability Peoples Organisation run by and for people with physical disability, advocating for equal opportunity, inclusion and human rights across Australia. Established in 1995, PDA represents the voices and lived experiences of its members to influence policy, engage with government, and drive meaningful change, ensuring people with physical disability are respected, empowered and able to participate fully in all aspects of society.