Housing accessibility is often overlooked in discussions about housing affordability, but a severe shortage of suitable homes for people with physical disability is having a massive impact on affordability for this cohort. Without accessible homes, people with disability are being forced into specialist disability housing or aged care when they could otherwise live independently at home.

While so few accessible homes exist, we continue to build inaccessible stock. The National Construction Code has set a new minimum “silver” standard for new homes with simple requirements like step free showers and level entries. Modelling by the Australian Building Codes Board shows these standards will only add about one percent to the cost of a new build, but New South Wales is one of only two states not to sign up, citing housing affordability concerns. The cost to upgrade an existing home is much greater, often making it prohibitive, especially for rental stock.  

Last week I joined people with disability and advocates at an event to support adoption of the silver code and followed up with a question in Parliament to the building minister. The government says it will reconsider later this year.

My question: HERE