New working group to improve access to air travel for people with disability

A new working group will explore practical measures to improve access to air services for people with disability.The Aviation Access Working Group was launched today in Canberra by Bill Shorten, Parliamentary Secretary for Disabilities and Children’s Services.

The Working Group will provide advice on disability access policy and the operational issues that affect the quality of service offered to people with disability who travel by air.

The Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, Anthony Albanese, said today’s meeting would allow the Working Group to respond to the National Aviation Policy Green Paper released in early December and make an important contribution to the National Aviation Policy Statement due in the second half of this year.

“The Working Group brings together the airlines, airports, government agencies and people with disability to find solutions to the challenges faced by travellers with disability,” Mr Albanese said.

Mr Shorten said that better and more reliable access to air travel was a key issue for people with disability who often faced barriers or extra expenses in getting flights.

“This group will consider what measures and actions can improve access to air travel for people with disability while at the same time ensuring the safety and security of all passengers,” Mr Shorten said.

“Air travel is an issue that causes a lot of angst for people with disability, particularly those who need to travel with a carer or medical equipment.”

“I am confident that this Working Group will find ways to make their experience easier, and improve the support that is offered to them when they travel by air

A review of the Disability Standards for Accessible Public Transport is currently underway and was discussed at the Working Group’s first meeting.