Latest news, research and events from the Melbourne Disability Institute at the University of Melbourne

New Survey: Standards for Accessible Housing

The Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB) has recently issued a Consultation Regulatory Impact Assessment (RIA) addressing a proposal to include minimum accessibility standards for housing in the National Construction Code (NCC). 

The Regulatory Impact Assessment is a process designed to measure the benefits and costs of any new regulation and best practice includes a qualitative analysis. 

As a result, right now, we all have an opportunity to help ensure the Australian Building Codes Board hears and considers the personal stories of people whose lives have been improved by accessible housing (and how the lack of accessible housing has adversely affected them). 

How can I make sure my voice is heard?  

The Melbourne Disability Institute is undertaking a rapid survey of people with disability to identify benefits of accessible housing to people with disability, including quality of life, well-being, mental health outcomes, independence and empowerment.  

Due to the deadline set by the Australian Building Codes Board, we need this information by 26 August so we are asking you to complete or help circulate our survey - which is for adults with any mobility limitation including people with disability and older Australians - urgently.  

This is your chance to help change government policy. The survey is anonymous, and your responses will be kept confidential. Any information that you share will not be attributed to you personally.  

The Melbourne Disability Institute will present results from the survey in a report to the ABCB, Australian Government and other publications. 

You can access the survey using the link below. Please contact us at if you would like the survey in another format. Our email is md-i@unimelb.edu.au.
 

Economic analysis 

The Melbourne Disability Institute in partnership with the Summer Foundation has commissioned an independent economic analysis to include minimum accessibility standards in the National Construction Code. The analysis will provide a review of the cost-benefit analysis undertaken by the Centre for International Economics (CIE) and identify key issues that have a significant economic impact, including the benefits of universal design features for all. 

We view this economic report as a key resource for any organisation considering making a submission and a copy will be available on our website. 

Making a submission in response to the ABCB Consultation RIA

The ABCB is currently calling for feedback, which can be submitted on their website here: https://www.abcb.gov.au/Consultation/Regulation-Analysis/Consultation-RIS

MDI is currently preparing a submission in response to the ABCB Consultation RIA and we expect it will be available next week. The submission will include key recommendations in favour of sensible minimum regulations which will, at long last, make housing accessible and Australia fairer and more inclusive.

If you would like a copy, as soon as it is available, please contact us at
md-i@unimelb.edu.au.

Upcoming Events and Opportunities

Find out about opportunities and events that are happening in the community below. Interested in promoting your event, sharing a job posting, research opportunity or another item of interest? Send the details through to Sara.Donaldson@unimelb.edu.au.