Accessibility for New Zealanders Bill: Back to the drawing board?
Thinkpiece
The Accessibility for New Zealanders Bill has faced significant criticism from disability advocates and organisations, with many calling for it to be withdrawn and redrafted. The bill, introduced in 2022, aimed to establish an Accessibility Committee to identify and address accessibility barriers in New Zealand society. However, the lack of enforceable standards and mechanisms for tangible change within fixed timeframes has drawn widespread disappointment from the disability community.
Submissions to the Social Services and Community Committee revealed a clear disconnect between the government's intentions and the expectations of disabled people and their representatives. Over 80% of submissions recommended substantial changes to the bill, with many expressing concerns that it falls short of delivering meaningful progress towards an accessible Aotearoa.
The United Nations Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) has also raised concerns about the bill's lack of enforcement mechanisms and decision-making bodies. The UNCRPD recommended that the New Zealand government engage in a co-design and co-production process with organisations of persons with disabilities to address these issues.
The Green Party members of the committee echoed this sentiment, stating that they cannot support an accessibility bill that is not supported by disabled people. Similarly, the National Party members recommended withdrawing the bill and drafting a new one that aligns more closely with the disability sector's expectations.
While the establishment of an Accessibility Committee is a step in the right direction, the lack of binding standards and clear timelines for progress has left many feeling disappointed. The disability community has long advocated for comprehensive legislation that enshrines their rights and ensures accessibility across all aspects of life, including the built environment, transport, housing, education, and communication.
Key Takeaways
The Accessibility for New Zealanders Bill has faced significant criticism from disability advocates and organisations for its lack of enforceable standards and mechanisms for tangible change.
Over 80% of submissions to the Social Services and Community Committee recommended substantial changes to the bill, citing concerns that it falls short of delivering meaningful progress towards an accessible Aotearoa.
The United Nations Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) and political parties like the Green Party and the National Party have called for a co-design and co-production process with organisations of persons with disabilities to address the bill's shortcomings.
The disability community has long advocated for comprehensive legislation that enshrines their rights and ensures accessibility across all aspects of life, highlighting the need for a more robust and inclusive approach to addressing accessibility barriers in New Zealand.
While the establishment of an Accessibility Committee is a positive step, the lack of binding standards and clear timelines for progress has left many feeling disappointed, suggesting that a return to the drawing board may be necessary to develop legislation that truly meets the needs and aspirations of disabled New Zealanders.