Auditor-General warns of failure to meet disability targets on tram network, warns of legal challenge
Melbourne’s tram network has been slammed for failing to deliver disability access, with the government being warned to take real action to fix the issue or risk being sued.
Victoria
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Melbourne’s tram network has been slammed for failing to deliver disability access, prompting a warning the government is now at risk of being sued for discrimination.
The Victorian Auditor-General’s Office (VAGO) has found the state government has not met its own legal requirements to bring trams and tram stops up to standard for those with a disability.
Under the state laws, all stops must match disability guidelines by the end of 2022.
But in a new report, VAGO has warned the government has not only failed to meet its requirements so far but would not meet them by the 2022 deadline.
Just over a quarter of stops have been redesigned for level access while 15 per cent of trams are low floor trams.
A temporary exemption to the rules expired no September 30, leaving the Department of Transport at risk of legal action from. breaching the law
“This may expose DoT and Yarra Trams to disability discrimination complaints (and as a result, financial risk) from affected individuals,” the report reads.
It also found the department did not know when the network would be up to standard because there was no clear strategy or funded plan to deliver this.
The government has been urged to seek “comprehensive” legal advice and to consider the consequences if real action is not taken to address the issue.
The auditor-general has also recommended a formal review into how the department can meet its targets.
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