NOTICE OF TEMPORARY EXEMPTION
UNDER THE DISABILITY DISCRIMINATION ACT: Northern Districts Model Engineering
Society

The Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission gives notice of a decision
made on 25 November 2003 under section 57 of the Disability Discrimination
Act 1992 ("DDA") concerning access to premises occupied by the
Northern Districts Model Engineering Society.

Applicants

The exemption application was submitted by the Northern Districts Model
Engineering Society.

Decision of the Commission

The Commission decides under section 55 of the DDA to grant, for a period
of two years, an exemption to the applicants from the operation of sections
23 and 27 of the Disability Discrimination Act, regarding lack of lift
access to the upper floor of the applicants' premises, on condition that
the applicants

(1) report to the Commission within twelve months on progress towards
providing access to the upper floor and

(2) conduct meetings and other activities during the period of the exemption
in a wheelchair accessible venue if notified that any person requiring
lift access wishes to attend.

Finding and reasons

In making this decision the Commission accepted findings and reasons
contained in a recommendation and statement of reasons
prepared by the Deputy Disability Discrimination Commissioner, which is
available on the Commission's web site www.humanrights.gov.au .

Review of decision

Subject to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal Act 1975, application
may be made to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal for a review of the
decision to which this notice relates by or on behalf of any person/s
whose interests are affected by the decision.

John von Doussa QC

President

on behalf of the Commission

25 November 2003