Anti-Discrimination Tribunal hears case for a third accessible entrance at Parliament Square

The Anti-Discrimination Tribunal has been called on to decide whether the Parliament Square development should have more accessible entrances.

Disability advocate David Cawthorn, left, and ParaQuad Association treasurer Jim Busby outside the Parliament Square redevelopment. Picture: LUKE BOWDEN

DISABILITY advocates have taken their fight for a third accessible entrance at the Parliament Square precinct site to the Anti-Discrimination Tribunal.

The redevelopment plan currently has accessible entrances mapped out directly opposite the Executive Building on Murray Street and on Salamanca Place near Sideshow Cafe.

But paraplegic David Cawthorn and the ParaQuad Association of Tasmania have called for another lift to be installed near a proposed set of stairs immediately behind Parliament House on Murray St.

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Mr Cawthorn, who first filed his complaint with the Equal Opportunity Commissioner in December 2016, on Wednesday said wheeling up Murray St or Salamanca Place was extremely difficult due to the steep gradient.

“These are the same things people with disabilities were fighting for 20 years ago,” he said.

“Our shoulders are our legs — we rely on them and if they break down, we’re out of action.

“An extra $125,000 to $400,000 is a drop in the ocean for a $180 million development.”

David Cawthorn first filed his complaint with the Equal Opportunity Commissioner in December 2016. Picture: LUKE BOWDEN

ParaQuad Association treasurer Jim Busby, who has used a wheelchair for more than 40 years, said the lift would benefit not only those with mobility issues but also the elderly and parents with prams.

“It’s all about inclusiveness in today’s society and people really should have the forethought to incorporate equal access in building designs,” Mr Busby said.

Once complete the Citta Property Group mega development will include premium office space, a $30 million boutique hotel and more than 30 specialty retail stores, bars and restaurants.

Citta construction manager Barney Phillips said the company maintained the project complied with the National Construction Code and Access to Premises Code.

“It is our position that we comply with the Disability Discrimination Act and therefore there is no discrimination,” Mr Phillips said.

“We respectfully await the Tribunal’s determination in these matters.”

An artist’s impression of the Parliament Square development. Picture: SUPPLIED

The Anti-Discrimination Tribunal on Wednesday heard an opening argument from barrister Simeon Beckett, who is acting on behalf of Mr Cawthorn and the ParaQuad Association.

Mr Beckett said no compensation or other remedy was being sought by the complainants other than an accessible entrance in the lower Murray St corner of the development.

However, counsel for Citta and Parliament Square Hobart Landowner, Catherine Scott, said the Anti-Discrimination Tribunal did not have the jurisdiction to hear the complaint.

Tribunal members Kate Cuthbertson and Robert Winter adjourned the matter to make a determination about the legal question of jurisdiction. They will hand down their decision at a later date.

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