From: Diane Campbell [ops@northcott.org.au]
Sent: Tuesday, June 13, 2000 10:04
To: HREOC
Subject: ORTA Application for Exemption
The Northcott Society as a disability services provider in NSW does not support ORTA's exemption application. 
 
Lack of suitable public transport is perhaps the most significant barrier to people with physical disabilities in NSW, who wish to access community facilities, services and employment.  This is still so in 2000, despite continuing attempts by the disability sector to voice their concerns regarding the lack of accessible transport. Most people with physical disabilities who need public transport, are generally forced to use accessible taxis, which are expensive and largely unreliable due to inadequate numbers.
 
The NSW government did not see the Olympic and Paralympic Games as an incentive to address these transport issues over the last few years, and has done considerably less than other state governments in developing accessible forms of public transport.  It is unacceptable for ORTA to solve the crisis in NSW by creating problems in other states and unnecessarily disadvantaging people with disabilities who are resident in those states.
 
Lack of appropriate action over the last four years is not an acceptable reason for granting an exemption from the DDA. Any exemption would send a very poor message to international visitors about Australia's commitment to an inclusive society, and does little to address the day to day difficulties currently experienced by people with physical disabilities living in NSW.  It is important that the DDA and the government are seen to uphold people's rights rather than using the DDA as an instrument for circumventing government responsibilities to all its citizens.
 
 
Diane Campbell
Chief Executive, Operations
The Northcott Society