People with disability are set to benefit from 31 new accessible bathroom facilities, thanks to the Australian Government’s $3.7 million investment into the next stage of the Changing Places initiative.
Changing Places facilities go beyond standard accessible bathrooms and have been designed to provide people with complex needs and their caregivers access to suitable, safe, and specialised bathroom facilities.
The Commonwealth is partnering with the states and territories to fund 40 to 50 per cent of the cost of new facilities. The investment will deliver 13 facilities in New South Wales, 11 in Western Australia, four in the Northern Territory, two in South Australia and one in Tasmania.
Minister for Social Services, Amanda Rishworth said this round of funding will add to over 300 Changing Places around Australia, expanding the coverage of facilities across the country for people with disability and their carers.
“These Changing Places do change lives. They mean that people with disability have the same opportunity to get out and about in their community and fully participate in activities that many of us take for granted,” Minister Rishworth said.
“One of our commitments under Australia’s Disability Strategy is for all governments to work together and ensure every public space is accessible and the record number of facilities to be delivered in this round of funding demonstrates of commitment to that goal.”
Minister for the National Disability Insurance Scheme, Bill Shorten said this funding builds on the 2022 election commitment to provide funding to see a ‘Changing Places’ facility built in every Local Government Area in Australia.
“Accessible infrastructure is an important way of ensuring people with disability can participate in local and community life,” Minister Shorten said.
“Changing Places allow people with complex needs and their carers to take part in community life without concerns.
“The $3.7 million in funding is part of the $32.2 million announced in the Albanese Government’s 2022-23 October Budget to build facilities in Local Government Areas across Australia.
“We are delivering on our promise to create a more inclusive Australia for the one in six Australians living with disability.”
Funding has now flowed through to the states and territories to commence construction works.
Facilities are at various stages of development, with all 31 Changing Places facilities expected to commence construction in the next 12 months.
More information about Changing Places is available on the Department of Social Services website.