From the President’s Desk

by Lindsay Perry - President of the Association of Consultants in Access Australia

This edition of Access Insight focuses on the international context. While we are very much aware of what happens within Australia, it is also good to know how accessibility is addressed in other countries. Personally, I love looking beyond our shores at options and scenarios that we can draw upon in our work. What is working, what is not? It is always great to compare, contrast and make informed decisions in the pursuit of an inclusive environment.

The last few months has seen many developments affecting access to the built environment within Australia, most noticeably the release of AS1428.1 (2021): Design for access and Mobility Part 1: General requirements for access – New building work, on 18 June 2021. This is the document upon which most of our work is based so being across the changes is quite important. It is an exciting step forward.

The ACAA Management Committee submitted a response to the National Construction Code (NCC) 2022 Public Comment Draft that closed on 11 July 2021. I thank all of those involved in preparing this document. It is important that ACAA, as the peak national body for access consultancy in Australia, has a voice.

In NSW, the Design and Building Practitioners Act 2020 and Design and Building Practitioners Regulations 2021 came into effect on 1 July 2021. There has been much confusion as to the role and responsibility of access consultants under the Act. We have had advice from The Office of the NSW Building Commissioner that access consultants are not required to be registered under the provisions of the Act and Regulation and that they do not prepare certificates under the provisions of the Act or Regulation. We have circulated a statement to this effect to members – please be mindful of this advice when providing services in NSW.

I also draw your attention to our new Fellow members – Eric Martin and Chris Porter – and acknowledgement of Joe Manton who has been presented with her award. Congratulations on your achievement. Traditionally, Fellow memberships are presented at our conferences however, in the light of COVID, a new approach has been taken this year. I invite you to read through the achievements of each of these members throughout their careers as access consultants and thank them each for their commitment and contribution to the industry. Without this precedent and leadership, ACAA may not be where it is today.

Enjoy this issue!