Disabled win building access
By Bill Mason
BRISBANE — The Anti-Discrimination Tribunal on August 24 ordered the Queensland government to provide access for the disabled to Brisbane's new Convention and Exhibition Centre.
The tribunal ordered that wheelchair access be provided at the front entrance of the $170 million complex, due to open in April next year.
The disabled took up the fight against the centre after they learned that the front entrance would have 27 steps. A lift for the disabled was planned 43 metres from the front entrance, which was described as "architectural apartheid" for the disabled.
Paraplegic and Quadriplegic Association of Queensland president Tony South said the win was a landmark which would send a message to all builders in the state that buildings must be accessible to all people.