A Call for Inclusive Housing: Prioritizing Accessible Accommodation in Australia

Australia faces a dual challenge: a housing shortage and a growing demand for accessible homes. As governments rush to build new homes, disability advocates are calling for the inclusion of national accessibility standards in the construction process, which will also benefit the aging population. Currently, New South Wales (NSW) and Western Australia (WA) have not adopted the mandatory Livable Housing Design Standard, despite other states and territories having done so. This standard is part of the National Construction Code and includes features like step-free entrances, wider doorways, and accessible bathrooms to accommodate people with disabilities and the elderly.

The Need for Accessible Housing

As Australia’s population ages, there is a pressing need to ensure that new homes are accessible and adaptable. According to Dr. Rhonda Galbally, former Disability Royal Commissioner, adopting these standards nationwide would make communities more inclusive without significantly increasing construction costs. The Australian Building Codes Board estimates that implementing the minimum accessible design standards would add only $2,900 to $4,400 to the cost of each new home. This minor increase could have a substantial impact on improving the quality of life for people with disabilities and the elderly, who wish to live independently for as long as possible.

The Summer Foundation—an organization dedicated to helping young people with disabilities live in the community rather than in residential care—recently released research indicating that the construction sector is optimistic about implementing accessible designs. Dr. Di Winkler, CEO of the Summer Foundation, emphasized that a national standard would simplify the construction process by providing consistency and clarity, ultimately leading to more accessible housing options across Australia.

The Human Impact of Inaccessible Housing

The real-life challenges faced by those needing accessible housing are evident in the experiences of people like V Samuela from Sydney. After suffering two strokes, Samuela spent years in inadequate accommodations that did not meet her needs. She described her struggle to find a home with suitable modifications, highlighting the scarcity of accessible options in the public housing sector. After a decade-long wait, she finally found a home that allowed her to regain some independence and live comfortably with her husband. However, the difficulty she faced in finding an accessible home is a common story among many Australians with disabilities.

For many, like Ms. Samuela, the lack of accessible housing means limited opportunities for social engagement and independence. She shared that visiting friends and family is often “almost impossible” due to the inaccessibility of their homes. This issue underscores the importance of adopting national accessibility standards to ensure that everyone can participate fully in their communities without feeling like a burden.

The Call for National Consistency

There is a growing push from advocacy groups and industry leaders for NSW and WA to adopt the Livable Housing Design Standard. The Summer Foundation is calling for these states to align with the rest of the country to create a consistent approach to building accessible homes. Dr. Winkler stated that implementing these standards is not only feasible but necessary to future-proof housing as the population ages. The benefits extend beyond people with disabilities; they provide a foundation for better quality housing that will accommodate the needs of an aging society.

In response to these calls, the NSW government has indicated that it is actively reviewing its policies and prioritizing better housing outcomes. Meanwhile, the WA government cited concerns about the potential impact on construction complexity and costs, despite evidence suggesting that the financial burden would be minimal.

Building a More Inclusive Future

The future of accessible housing in Australia depends on the nationwide adoption of the Livable Housing Design Standard. As the population ages and the demand for accessible homes grows, the need for consistent, inclusive building practices becomes increasingly critical. The Summer Foundation and other advocacy groups are urging industry bodies like the Master Builders Association and the Housing Industry Association to provide more training and resources to builders and architects. These efforts aim to ensure that accessible design becomes standard practice, benefiting all Australians.



For a deeper dive into the benefits of accessible housing and the push for national standards, visit these sources:

  1. Summer Foundation
  2. Australian Human Rights Commission
  3. World Bank
  4. Master Builders Association
  5. Housing Industry Association

By adopting national accessibility standards, Australia can create a more inclusive society where everyone, regardless of age or ability, can enjoy the freedom and dignity of living in a home that meets their needs.

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