From:	Laurence Joseph 
Sent:	Thursday, 26 November 2009 8:20 AM
To:	disabdis
Cc:	info@artsaccess.com.au
Subject:	Cinemas seeking exemption from the Disability 
Discrimination Act 

To Whom it May Concern

I am writing both personally and as chair of the Disability Affinity 
Group of Philanthropy Australia to object strongly to the recent 
application made by Village Roadshow, Greater Union, Hoyts 
and Reading Cinemas requesting exemption from the Disability 
Discrimination Act for a period of two and a half years.   This is a 
callous and despicable act that is contrary to the inclusion policy 
of the Federal government as well as infringing international 
conventions to which Australia is a signatory.   

Notwithstanding any commercial considerations that may 
underpin this action, cinemas are the prime source of culture 
and entertainment outside of the home for most Australians, 
including people with disabilities as well as the elderly.   I would 
expect the companies concerned to re-examine their decision 
on economic grounds while examining the impact of that 
decision in the light of the potential backlash from the general 
public, advertisers and the groups most affected by their 
application once their action becomes widely known.

Sincerely

Laurence A Joseph