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