The Disability Review Original writing and voices on disability for Canberra Issue # 2 – Spring 2016

Getting There...

Inside: Greetings • Interview Emma Thomas, Director General of Transport Canberra and City Services • Listen On Taxi’s and Planes • Counterpoint Transport Futures Engage Labor, Liberal, Green Plans for Disability • Photo essay Nothing About Us, Without Us • Think Driverless Cars • Viewpoint We Have Disability and Yes We Vote Editorial Our Future’s in the Detail Editor: Craig Wallace

Published by: Robert Altamore for PWD ACT

Photo’s: Richard Tuffin www.atrtphotos.com and other contributors

Election comment in this edition is authorised by Robert Altamore

This is an opinion journal. The contents of The Canberra Acknowledgement of Country Disability Review do not necessarily reflect the views of People with Disabilities ACT, the Editor, advertisers, We acknowledge the traditional custodians of this land, funders, our staff or the other contributors. the Ngunnawal people. The PWD ACT offices, where we We acknowledge the support of the ACT Government which publish and distribute The Canberra Disability Review, is funds PWD ACT along with advertisers, donors and members. on the traditional land of these people. Canberra Disability Review | Issue # 2 – Spring 2016 GREETINGS

elcome to our second edition of The Canberra Disabili- Wty Review where we throw a disability rights spotlight across the ACT Election and take a close look at the transport issues claiming a big role in the poll. Elections are the time to open up a conversation about the future and it’s a pivotal time for disability in the Austral- ian Capital Territory. We have an NDIS rollout and a debate about how we progress broader priorities for disability so we asked all three parties represented in the current assembly to outline their visions and feature three opinion editorial pieces from Labor, Liberal and the Greens. We also try to cut through the colour and movement about buses and to ask some questions about the likely shape of transport in the ACT with a detailed interview with Emma Thomas, head of Transport for Canberra. We ex- plore the thinking behind the new integrated transport bu- reaucracy for Canberra and ask how it sees itself delivering for people with a disability. We also invited Alistair Coe (Canberra Liberals) and Mee- gan Fitzharris (ACT Labor) to go head to head on their com- peting visions for transport in Canberra in our counterpoint section. Annabelle Joske, PWD ACT member, also provides a tan- talising glimpse into the transport futures that might come from the new world of driverless cars while our vox pops reality check user experiences with Canberra Taxis and the airport. We might be able to fly to Singapore now, but for some of us simply flying to Sydney – or even getting around Can- berra – remains a chore. Of course this election isn’t just about transport and no- where was this more clear than at the PWD ACT election ral- ly where people told their own stories about living, working, and finding somewhere to live in Canberra. We may live in a social media age but there is still an appetite to come together and speak out so we feature a photo essay with quotes from the rally – they tell stories of their own.

Craig Wallace Editor

3 INTERVIEW Emma Thomas Director General of Transport Canberra and City Services talks about her vision and work for Transport Canberra

Why did the Government the city and bringing all of years. Since then my career ficult and probably the- big form Transport Canberra those under the one entity has been in Public Service gest part of our challenge at and what are you hoping gives us the ability to think and most recently before I the moment for public trans- to achieve? of it as a whole rather than came to Canberra I was the port as a whole is our foot- in bits and pieces. Deputy Chief Executive of path network. Our network Transport Canberra was Public Transport in Adelaide of how people get to public formed because we are start- Can you tell me about your so I looked after all forms of transport has developed over ing to recognize we have role and what you bring to transport there including time – there are extensive many different modes of it? regulating the taxi industry, networks of infrastructure transport and we don’t just buses, light rail, heavy rail. and they provide a very im- have buses and cars but we I come from a number of dif- portant part of how we access need to start bringing to- ferent roles but primarily my How does Canberra com- all of our services. All cities gether the thinking about life and career has been in- pare to the City of Adelaide are starting to acknowledge how we move around as a volved in transport in differ- in terms of meeting acces- that challenge and develop whole. Whether its buses, ent forms. I started out in the sibility requirements? better standards and improve cars, light rail, bicycles or on Air Force as an aeronautical the infrastructure as we can – our feet – we have lots of dif- engineer and moved to Boe- There are probably things particularly around those ferent ways we move around ing and work there for many both cities are finding dif- nodes of public transport.

4 Canberra Disability Review | Issue # 2 – Spring 2016

Looking at how they have dents in older platforms as it starts to attract people for putting mobility devices addressed accessibility in other States… to it, it will offer them alter- and bikes and prams. Also all in access in Adelaide: the native choices. People don’t of our platforms have been metro fleet is 80% acces- Absolutely, older platforms have to be captive to the one designed for that as well so sible; they’ve got Auslan or platforms on curbs where mode of transport – they can that will be an important transcribed videos for dif- it’s hard to bridge that gap choose different modes – part as well. ferent modes of transport; are difficulties for the indus- they can ride their bike, they dedicated boarding points try as a whole. Melbourne can drive their car to a park I saw some early informa- for scooters; and they’ve which has an extensive light and ride and get on the light tion – but this may be out clearly worked out the rail network is doing some rail at those points. We’ll of date – that had the city kind of design footprint extensive changes to their also be looking at a bus net- terminus starting from the they need to carry differ- network to try and ad- work that feeds into that. So Sydney building? ent kinds of mobility devic- dress those platform differ- for instance your example of es on buses. We’re not even ences and I think it’s an area coming from the south you No, it starts just before that – close, are we? where the industry acknowl- might take a bus to the city Alinga Street which is just edges we can do a lot better. and then if you had business where the Sydney and Mel- Well I think you need to un- As we put in new infrastruc- in Mitchell or it bourne Buildings start in the derstand different modes of tures around the country might take you there. This forecourt of that. We’re also transport lend themselves everyone is focussed on that is a good example of how in the process of designing to that kind of thing. So the fairly heavily. I’m really ex- it’s not a one size fits all but a Northbourne Plaza in rec- dedicated boarding points on cited about the opportuni- you get multiple choices to ognition of how important heavy rail are much easier to ties it brings to a light rail take a journey anywhere in those buildings are to the allocate and put there and network but also as we invest Canberra. city. we’ll have a similar system in new buses here as part of for light rail in Canberra. One our bus fleet we’re also mak- of the advantages of rail and ing sure that fleet is accessi- fixed platform infrastructure ble as well. My job is not to do the “sales is that we can do a lot more allocation of space and also I used to work in Mitch- pitch’’ but to provide the best consider our information ell and travel every day infrastructure we can provide sources in a modern trans- from the south through port system and translate to there and then often and we have a very skilled that into the various forms to Gungahlin. So I have team that have been very of information that people some idea of the kinds of need. We also have a more snarls that are emerging dedicated to this project modern infrastructure now – up there and the mess of the design standards for gaps congested roundabouts. on platforms between rail But how do we make the and the platform itself mean “sales pitch” to the whole Will all of the tram stops Because currently that the gap is almost negligible. of Canberra of what’s ac- and the terminus meet part of Canberra – while it This means that people on tually needed? There is a and exceed DDA standards has some wonderful herit- mobility devices need less real disconnect with peo- at both ends? age values – is our access assistance in boarding and ple in the south not seeing blackspot… offloading. In Adelaide we this is for them… Well I don’t know about ex- still had gaps and different ceeding DDA standards but I think one of the things is heights in the old infrastruc- Well my job is not to do the certainly the DDA standard that Transport and City Ser- ture. As a whole, the more we “sales pitch’’ but to provide are absolutely written into vices is responsible for care put in new infrastructure the the best infrastructure we our contract so we’ve made and uptake of footpaths better we’re able to under- can provide and we have a sure of that in every ele- themselves and one of the stand the standards we need very skilled team that have ment of the contract from areas that we are interested to put in. been very dedicated to this the actual vehicles them- in engaging the disability sec- project. But light rail does selves – the light rail vehi- tor is accessibility of the city People have fallen through bring benefits in that it cles will be fully accessible as a whole. Not just transport gaps on platforms haven’t won’t be operating on the themselves the entire length nodes but what areas do we they? There have been road, so it will be operating of the carriage and we have need to focus on to make life a some catastrophic acci- on its own corridor. But also quite big vestibules areas bit easier and to have a more

5 INTERVIEW

accessible city. Particularly experience and one of their broader remit around the In Charnwood, they tried through the bus interchange tasks is to engage with the paths of travel? to build a suburb where as it’s important for everyone disability sector and really you can – theoretically – to have accessibility through understand how we can have Our whole directorate is get on foot from any part there. We’re very interested a focus group that focusses transport and city servic- of the suburb to any other in understanding that. on all those elements for all es so we have that broader part of the suburb with the We’ve got an area that’s the services we provide, not remit across the entire city. shops as a central hub. Yet been established within just transport. One of our pilot projects is it’s fallen over on people Transport Canberra called improving the footpaths feeling that it’s not safe to City Services which is specif- You obviously see Trans- along Hyde Park through travel on those set of paths. ically focussed on customer port Canberra as having a that area of the city. They Is (safety) something that look fantastic. Two and half you’re looking at? metre wide, really good quality footpaths. That’s a It is, safety is an important demonstration project to part of what we’re look- show that when we improve ing at. It’s not just the foot- the footpath infrastructure path quality but people of- that we have just how much ten give us feedback that better that is for the city as it’s the street lights, CCTV is a whole. becoming more prominent – so again with the light rail One of the problems that we’re putting in some fair- the disability community ly progressive measures to has had with active trav- have CCTV and excellent el and mode shifting is – lighting so people feel safe while we understand it in while they’re waiting at environmental and health stops at night. But also we terms – is that we ask ‘how need to start looking at the do we modeshift across a main points of footpath in- cityscape that is broken, frastructure coming up to with broken footpaths and that – streetlights, broken street camber that pushes footpaths and other issues. you into the curb’. What There are also much better happens to those of us that standards around issues like can’t modeshift? bushes around footpaths to give people a much better That’s exactly the problem sense of safety. We’re start- that we are trying to ad- ing to look at all those prin- dress. Its early days but we cipals as we design new in- have to start somewhere frastructure. and I think the demonstra- tion project will give exactly Looking at the demo- that. Part of our remit is to graphics of Canberra the think about how people are figures are the number of moving around the city as a over 65’s are set to rough- whole. Not just about wheth- ly double by around 2062, er it’s by bike or by car. But the median age is rising We are talking about a city that really looking at the whole and the number of cente- system as one system. One narians is going to quad- is not restricted in its hours of of the advantages of bring- ruple. The people with the transport but really supports the ing this Directorate togeth- kinds of mobility chal- er is that we can look at that lenges that PWD ACT rep- vibrancy that is coming into our whole system collectively resents are set to rise. So city areas and see where we can best why do the policy settings invest to make those move- seem to assume people are ments a priority. active and moving around

6 Canberra Disability Review | Issue # 2 – Spring 2016

the city through shared amenity that is focussed on ally get them on or not. And it cessibility across the fleet zones? Those people are them. We recognise that as gives far many more connec- is 2022. That’s a long time… going to have mobility is- people age they need differ- tivity points so that people sues and sensory issues ent forms of transport. can really think about how I think we need to continual- so moving through other they get to a venue. I always ly review and challenge our- traffic is going to be - dif When light rail is done and think about the Farmers Mar- selves about when we can get ficult… the vision is realised how kets and how complicated to that point in time but it’s might people move around the parking is and whether very much our commitment I think the term active trav- on an average day? people can think about park- as we buy new vehicles and el doesn’t refer to people ing somewhere and then tak- again the govt has just an- sprinting along the streets There are so many options ing light rail to the Farmers nounced a number of new of Canberra (!) but it refers and it depends where people Market. We’ll have much vehicles as part of their pol- to a mode of transport that are coming from. But it might longer hours of transport so icy for increasing bus num- is not by car, bus or rail and I mean people don’t need to that people who are going bers so that gives us new bus- think that it better focusses put as much work into plan- to the theatre or a restau- es for rapid routes but also us on the whole community ning their trip. They can turn rant can make the decision replaces our older bus stock. and what they need as they up to those networks and to leave the car at home and I think we are getting there move around our suburbs know that a bus or light rail take public transport and still faster than we have ever got and we’ve recently complet- is going to come along very get home afterwards. So we before and with the light rail ed some age friendly suburb quickly. With the new fleet are talking about a city that is coming on we can migrate initiatives and I think there we are investing in – both not restricted in its hours of some of the buses that have is one in Lyneham and these bus and light rail the accessi- transport but really supports been used on that northern are again trial areas where bility of that fleet will be en- the vibrancy that is coming route to other suburbs so we are trying to look at the hanced – again to the point into our city areas. I think we’ll see a broader walking infrastructure and where people won’t need to spread of really good quali- the connectivity so that peo- second guess whether the ve- On our buses the timeframe ty accessible buses and light ple who need that have more hicle that shows up will actu- that we’ve had to get ac- rail vehicles.

7 INTERVIEW

You mentioned that task ability and the aged sec- depot at Woden so that will thing that you could do to of integration so surely in- tor and we have just taken help us with our fleet stor- improve transport options formation would be a big over responsibility for all age and our dead running for people with disabili- part of that and new tech- the school disability trans- time so it makes our servic- ty and older Canberrans, nology? port so that’s actually be- es more efficient. We’re also what would that be? ing run by very passionate looking at continued public One of the other areas we transport people now and transport ticketing and what The biggest thing we can have established as part of we’ve been meeting with the next generation of My do is to ensure we are con- Transport Canberra and City the school community that’s Way is going to be. That goes nected with community and Services is to really challenge very strongly focussed on hand in hand with the light getting the feedback about ourselves on technology. It disability transport. We’re rail investment we’re already what helps with that. I think is moving so quickly and our also in our customer expe- doing which will be the most there are plenty of things ability to communicate with rience area setting up differ- modern infrastructure we’ve we do already well, but we people and provide data so ent groups that we can have ever had. And then the new are not able to communi- people can make decisions focus groups around differ- rapid bus fleet and bringing cate so our ability to com- for themselves is very criti- ent problems or opportuni- really fast travel times and a municate with the commu- cal for us. I really am inter- ties that we have. number of new services with nity and have that real two ested in how technology can that. Transport is taking a big way communication so that make people’s lives easier in In the last Budget there focus across Canberra right we understand where the what they are planning to was an outlay of $47 mil- now. We just did a really big priorities are and address do and what modes of trans- lion for transport – how transport survey earlier this ourselves to that is really port they use. But also how will that be used? year and that’s giving us a important they access the broader ser- really big indication of what The other thing is im- vices of the city. We have an We have a number of com- our customers are expecting proving our footpath infra- innovation group that is fo- mitments for spending for more of. structure as well because I cussing very heavily on that ACTION. They announced think that regardless of our and trying to understand 20 new buses as part of that The ACT was the first transport options we really peoples travel patterns bet- Budget release so that will launch site for the NDIS need to be able to help people ter so we can prioritise our improve our accessible fleet. with all 5,000 people mov- to get to that point and I think infrastructure. We’ve also increased some ing in. One of the precondi- there is lots of technology we services – some of those tions that people said need- can use to help there as well. NSW has nine accessibility came into ACTION during ed to happen for the NDIS Apps including ones that the last timetable change investment to work well show when your next bus which got release this week. was for people to be able This interview was recorded on 1 is coming and whether it We have improved services to move around the com- September 2016. Emma Thomas is an accessible bus. Is that around the city and a new munity. If there was one spoke to Craig Wallace. in play?

One of the Apps we have is My Bus which shows wheth- er the bus that is arriving is an accessible bus so we al- ready have that technolo- gy – that’s real time. But I think we can do better with the technology and not just Sydney but Melbourne have invested heavily in various Apps that are good for peo- ple with different needs.

What about consultation with the disability sector?

We’ve already got good re- lationships with the dis-

8 Canberra Disability Review | Issue # 2 – Spring 2016 LISTEN

Vox Populi (n) “the voice of the people.” (L)

On wheelchair taxis in Canberra 3 questions on planes

Paula: Jan

“I recently had to rely on the wheelchair taxi service for a What’s the best experience you’ve had? few months and it was much better than I remember! Yes there were a few ‘cowboys’ (broken seat belts, dirty cabs, “…the security staff who assist with getting luggage from drivers who seemed to struggle with basic road rules...) and the car to the check-in. They are fantastic, ever-helpful, I do admit that once I figured out who was good I went di- gracious in assisting, make the experience of starting a rectly to them rather than take my chances with random journey seamless and positive. drivers but overall I thought the service was much better – PLUS the day rate for parking is reasonable – I can stay still very expensive though”. there for two days for the Taxi Subsidy Scheme cost of a return taxi fare. Love it”.

Lina: What’s the worst thing that’s happened to you?

“(my driver) … is an absolute GEM. He is very professional, “ATRs and Dash 8 planes used for the cattle service between drives a very clean well maintained taxi and always takes Canberra and Sydney, necessitating the forklift truck PLUS care of my safety when I travel in his taxi. Have never had the fact that they cribbed on the construction costs and a bad experience in his wheelchair taxi getting around Can- there is only ONE LIFT from tarmac to terminal building, berra”. necessitating long roll to the Gate 7 lift”.

What could they improve? Peter: “1. They could put in at least one more lift. “…the vans can feel very scary and unsafe. You feel every 2. They could have a better system for storing the aisle chair bump, there’s nothing to hold onto and its very nerve so that the ground staff don’t spend 20 mins looking for it. wracking as you feel like you might be pitched out of your chair if they had to stop at speed. I wish Canberra had a Otherwise the Virgin staff are brilliant – they give me pri- greater variety of wheelchair taxis.” ority processing.”

9 COUNTERPOINT Transport Futures A battle over transport has become the face of the ACT election for many people. We invited both the Government and the Opposition to provide pieces outlining why their visions for transport would best meet the needs of all, including people with disabilities and older Canberrans.

“Rapid buses are the transport will provide greater services ment to invest in higher pri- have to cross Northbourne solution for all Canberrans.” to the City and major Town orities, such as health, or fur- Avenue to board, or to reach Centres, but will also provide ther drive up the cost of liv- their destination after dis- Alistair Coe MLA, Rapid services to Erindale, ing, especially through rate embarking. In contrast, bus- Shadow Minister for Weston Creek, West Tugger- increases. es are boarded or disem- Transport anong and the Airport. We are also concerned barked from the kerb. In addition to these Rap- that the tram may be diffi- id services, a new service, cult to access for the elder- “the Canberra Liberals are com- the Parkway Express, will ly and mobility impaired. mitted to a 100% accessible and provide a direct service be- Given the tram is proposed air-conditioned bus fleet to tween and Woden to travel down the median make ACTION fully compliant that bypasses the City. The of , it with the Disability Parkway Express will ser- means that passengers will Discrimination Act 1992” vice the and Calvary Hospital, as well as the The Liberal plan for Better public transport and the Bruce Campus of the Pink Bonner 6 Jacka X Canberra Institute of Tech- Taylor X 2 Red Moncreiff New Hall Casey X X nology. Forde Amaroo Ngunnawal X Gungahlin New X Nicholls Over time, each of these X Gungahlin Dunlop X Belconnen Fraser Park n’ Ride Throsby X X Bronze Spence Franklin X Park n’ X The Canberra Liberals be- Rapid routes will be ser- 3 Ride Palmerson Charnwood X Harrison X X Macgregor Crace Flynn Evatt Melba X lieve that improving the bus viced by articulated buses Park n’ L Ride Kenny McKellar Giralang Mitchell West Latham Gold Belconnen 7 Blue Florey

Park n’ Lawson network, including adding that feature three or four 1 Ride

Holt L Park n’ X Belconnen Ride Map shows the Page Kaleen North Watson Scullin Lyneham new Rapid bus routes, is the doors. The buses will have Park n’ Ride proposed eight

Park n’ Central Ride Downer Molonglo X Hawker X Bruce Hackett Rapid services, Pink best transport solution for low floors, making it easier Weetangera Macquarie L Dickson 6 Lyneham Parkway X the Parkway Express 9 Express Aranda Cook O’Connor all Canberrans, including to alight, with at least one Ainslie plus local and Turner North Braddon Canberra express buses. East Acton older Canberrans and peo- of the doors designated for Molonglo Molonglo Reid Campbell

Under consideration Duntroon ple with a disability. wheelchair and pram alight- due to necessary Russell roadworks on Green Parkes Molonglo the Cotter Road 4 Denman Fairbairn Park n’ Yarralumla Improvements to the ing. Each bus will also fea- NewProspect Ride Piallago New X Barton Coombs Forrest Kingston Curtin Deakin Rapid bus network were at ture a dedicated wheelchair Wright Park n’ Bronze Griffith Ride X 3 Silver Fyshwick Hughes Narrabundah X 8 the forefront of the Canber- bay. Improvements to bus Duffy X Garran Park n’ Weston Lyons Ride Oaks Holder Park n’ Ride Gold Estate 7 Red Hill Beard Red Symonston Rivett 2 ra Liberals public transport station infrastructure and X Silver Phillip Waramanga 8 Weston Chifley Parkway South Chapman Swinger O’MalleyExpress Creek X Hill 9 New X Park n’ plan, Canberra’s Transport real-time improvements will X Ride Canberra Fisher Pearce Mawson Woden Isaacs Future, which was released in also improve the experience Torrens Park n’ Ride X Farrer X Legend X Kambah Rapid route Wanniassa March. The plan outlines the for passengers. Park n’ Ride X Hume Rapid route terminus X Fadden Blue and route number Oxley Macarthur significant improvements a The Canberra Liberals do Greenway 1 X X Future route extension Gowrie Park n’ Ride X Park n’ Ride Station Canberra Liberals Govern- not support the ACT Gov- X Gilmore Monash Chisholm Interchange station Green Park n’ X Ride 4 Richardson Park n’ Ride ment would make to the ex- ernment’s plan for a tram. Purple Isabelle Plains 5 Bonython X X X X bus route isting ACTION bus network. We are concerned that the Calwell New L Limited stop services X Gordon Local bus route 17 MARCH 2016 Theodore Conder Canberra’s Transport Fu- $1.78 billion cost of the Gun- Authorised by X Alistair Coe MLA, our journey starts here Canberra Liberals Blue X ture increases the number gahlin to the City stage 1 of 1 Banks of Rapid routes from two to the tram will either limit the eight. These Rapid routes capacity of the ACT Govern-

10 Canberra Disability Review | Issue # 2 – Spring 2016

At the heart of our re- The Liberal plan for Another significant failing forms to public transport Better public transport of the Government’s tram will be the passenger. We New A schematic map of Canberra’s future Pink plan is that very few people will commit to improving Gungahlin 6 Rapid bus network Mulligans Flat live near to a proposed tram- the quality of service in Bonner Horse Park Legend Future Station N Len Waters Rapid route stop. In Gungahlin, only 15% every aspect: the routes, the Red Mirrabei 2 GungahlinGungahlin Park Rapid route terminus Blue New Bronze and route number Park n’ 1 of residents live within 500 experience, the infrastruc- 3 Ride Dunlop Future route extension Belconnen Charnwood Burrowa Rosanna Park n’ Ride Kingsford Smith Station metres of a tram proposed ture, the information and Abena Nullarbor Ginninderra Interchange station

Chuculba Sandford Park n’ Ride Park n’ Ride Future Station Park n’ stop. This inaccessibility will the governance. We will do Joynton Smith Baldwin Ride Exhibition Park n’ Future Station Ride Kippax FairStarke Ratcliffe Cohen Kamberra Park n’ Park n’ Park n’ Ride mean that passengers will this by making public trans- 1 Blue Ride Ride 6 Pink 7 Gold Parkway StadiumRidgewaySouthwell Antill most likely have to board a port a first preference, not a 9 Express Westfield UC Knox Belconnen Dickson Phillip bus in their suburb before last resort. Macarthur Majura Calvary Ainslie Under ANU Limestone North consideration Black Mountain Rudd disembarking at the bus at The Liberal transport due to necessary Gorman Canberra roadworks on the Gungahlin Town Centre plan can be found at www. the Cotter Road City City West to then board a tram. This is canberrastransportfuture.com. ANZAC East Regatta Russell New Future Station not easier for older Canber- au or by request from the Future Station Albert Hall Treasury Duntroon Park n’ Parkes Molonglo Ride Future Airport Park n’ Ride Hopetoun Brindabella rans and people with a dis- Party office at 6273 5155. Station Future Station Majura Green Future Station Carruthers Barton 4 ability. Brisbane Coombs National Glassworks Park n’ Manuka Ride Wentworth There is considerable ev- Silver Bronze New Dixon 8 3 Railway Park n’ Gold Captain Cook Markets Heysen Ride 7 Jerrabomberra idence to suggest that Can- “We are building the infrastruc- Weston Woden Fyshwick Hospital Goyder South Canberra Outlet Park n’ Weston Ride Centre Canberra Red berrans do not like the idea ture this city needs to connect Creek 2 Silver New Creek 8 Embassy Badimara Parkway Hindmarsh Express Park n’ 9 of transferring. A recent ACT Canberrans, to help you lead Ride Alexander Maconochie Centre Park n’ Yamba Marconi Ride Woden Mawson Park n’ Kambah Ride Government study found a healthy and happy life and Hume Langdon Erindale Athllon Taverner Park n’ that 75% of infrequent pub- to keep you moving”. 5 Purple Ride Tuggeranong Green Park n’ New lic transport users indicated Anketell 4 Ride Isabella Map does not show Johnson Ashley Goldstein Hambidge the ACTION local and that transferring was a barri- Meegan Fitzharris, Lanyon Authorised by Pockett Tuggeranong express network Alistair Coe MLA, Blue 17 MARCH 2016 er to using public transport. Minister for Canberra Liberals 1 Transport and City “we will undertake an audit Services of bus stops to ensure they are minute city is becoming the Canberra will open up travel accessible for people 30 minute city and, for some, options around our city for of all abilities”. it’s the 60 minute city. people with disabilities like We don’t want Canber- never before”. Our vision is for a bus net- ra to become Sydney or work which is so frequent, Melbourne, with long traf- An integrated public trans- people will not need to know fic queues and complicat- port system – where buses, the timetable because there ed, sometimes inaccessible light rail, cycling and walk- is always a service less than transport options. ing are linked to make it easy 15 minutes away. We are the world’s most for people to use – it’s the In addition to our plans liveable city and we should right system for Canberra for the network, the Can- aim to keep it that way. If and it’s the right system for berra Liberals are commit- we don’t get this right, we’ll people with disability. ted to a 100% accessible turn the world’s most livea- One part of that system is and air-conditioned bus Canberra is a growing city. ble city into the world’s most light rail. Introducing wheel- fleet to make ACTION fully Just 10 years ago Canberra’s unnecessary traffic jam. chair accessible light rail ve- compliant with the Disabil- population was 334,000 and So as we grow, we should hicles to Canberra will open ity Discrimination Act 1992. we’ll be at 400,000 by the end look at transport holistical- up travel options around our We will also implement a a of 2016. That’s over 60,000 ly and the idea that, wheth- city for people with disabili- way-finding system to help new Canberrans in 10 years. er you’re driving, walking, ties like never before. Acces- people navigate our public As we have grown, we cycling or on public trans- sible station stops, spacious spaces and in particular find have become a more success- port, getting around Can- carriages and ample wheel- the closest transport servic- ful, diverse and inclusive city. berra should be as simple as chair and disability seating es and we will undertake an We have also created more possible. will enable easy travel for audit of bus stops to ensure congestion and travel times people with disability. they are accessible for peo- have increased. Canberra’s “Introducing wheelchair ac- It’s been suggested that ple of all abilities. reputation as being the 20 cessible light rail vehicles to Canberrans won’t move from

11 COUNTERPOINT

one mode of transport to an- That is why we’re build- most areas of Canberra and What all this means is other, whether that’s cycling ing light rail, why we’re im- is also run by Transport Can- that there must be more to a bus stop or changing proving our buses and our berra. It offers people with reasons to use public trans- from one bus to a light rail. roads and why we’re making disability and people who port, we need to make it fast- But when your transport it easier and safer to walk cannot access public trans- er, more frequent, more re- options are 50 minutes in a and cycle to school, work or port a key mode of transport, liable, more accessible and car along Northbourne Ave- around your suburb. taking them from their home more comfortable. nue or a 10 minute drive to Light rail is one part of a to major shopping centres, Canberrans deserve high the Park and Ride to get a 24 long term vision to keep Can- hospitals and community or- quality infrastructure and minute light rail trip, which berra moving. Construction ganisations. All of these bus- that’s what our integrated one would you choose? has started. We’re delivering es are wheelchair accessible transport network is. Can- Integrating transport op- our vision through a new in- and free to use. berra deserves a government tions, with accessible, well-lit tegrated transport agency, Labor believes there is that plans for our very excit- paths connecting each mode, Transport Canberra. This enormous potential to better ing future. makes transport quicker, means that buses and light use our community trans- Transport Canberra is safer and easier. It helps all rail will be run by the same port fleet and we look- for delivering the infrastruc- Canberrans, including those people and you’ll be able to ward to continuing the part- ture future of our city. Light with disabilities. access all timetable infor- nerships we started with our rail is an important part of mation from the one place. Community Transport Fo- the plan. “the Flexible Bus Service, which It also helps with ticketing, rum earlier this year. We are building the infra- now covers most areas of Can- light rail fares will work ex- We also see potential in structure this city needs to berra … offers people with dis- actly the same as bus fares using technology to make connect Canberrans, to help ability and people who cannot do now. checking timetables and pro- you lead a healthy and hap- access public transport a key It’s important to look viding accessible information py life and to keep you mov- mode of transport” long term and then act. to people with a disability. ing. We will provide better That’s why we developed That’s why we established the transport options, no matter One of the reasons why I’ve our long term transport vi- Transport Innovation Fund in where you live. been asked to write this is sion in 2011, and took a plan this year’s ACT Budget. You will have a clear because public transport has for light rail and better buses Better public transport choice when you vote in Oc- become a policy battle at the to the 2012 election. That’s means people with disability tober. You will be able to ACT Election. why we’re delivering on our can participate in our com- decide which party has the And that’s great. Labor commitments from then. munity and in our economy. capability and commitment set the pace for this by in- This long term vision has They will no longer be hos- to make your life easier and troducing Rapid bus servic- also created the Flexible Bus tage to the inequities of large provide public transport for es in 2009 and then taking Service, which now covers congested cities. all. stage one of light rail to the 2012 ACT Election. The fact the Opposition now has its own plan is good for Canber- rans. I, and Labor, believe in good quality, affordable pub- lic transport but buses alone do not provide all the solu- tions. This is a good conver- sation to have. We want to have this con- versation because we know congestion impacts the qual- ity of life for people with disability. It frustrates us all when we can’t get to where we need to be when we want. The truth is we can’t stop Canberra growing. But we have to plan for it. And we are.

12 Canberra Disability Review | Issue # 2 – Spring 2016 ENGAGE

this community aren’t equal- ity and make it just that bit lections can be unpredictable but it’s likely ly available to everyone. Like harder to really be included. Eeither Labor, Liberal or the Greens – or some all cities, we have challeng- People with disability, combination of these – will form Government in the es to meet and issues to ad- their families and carers, ser- next ACT Legislative Assembly. dress – issues like inclusion vice providers, workers and We invited the disability spokesperson from and advocacy for those who governments all agreed that each party represented in the current ACT Assem- need it. We mustn’t allow our disability system as it was bly to provide an opinion editorial on their vision ourselves to become com- presented people with barri- for disability in this election. placent just because we do ers. The old system needed a things well in Canberra. As significant overhaul. That’s We asked them to tell us: Minister for Disability, I have why Labor pushed for a Na- no intention of taking my fo- tional Disability Insurance • What you and any government you might be a cus off the need to improve Scheme (NDIS) to be devel- part of will do to create an inclusion and accessi- as a city, to become even bet- oped, and why it’s being ble Canberra for people with disability if elected ter as a community. rolled out nationally. • What you think we should aim to achieve for peo- There are a number of A few years ago, the NDIS ple with disability in Canberra by 2020? reasons why people are ex- wasn’t much more than a • Any reflections or responses you might have to cluded from the world of op- beacon of hope and change PWD ACT’s five issues based election policy plat- portunities that a number of to replace an outdated, frag- form documents and our priorities for Canberra? us take for granted. People mented and underfunded with disability are dispro- system. We’ve come so far Here are their responses (presented in the order re- portionately, acutely aware in such a short time. ceived): of these exclusions; and the I’m pleased the ACT will ways people sit on the out- be the first jurisdiction in side of opportunity. People Australia to be fully included Dr Chris Bourke with disability participate, with disability know about in the NDIS, because I’m con- MLA, Minister for thrive and access the good the challenges of getting fident the NDIS will mean Disability things in life. good, well paid employment people with disability get the (ACT Labor) When we look around and the financial and wellbe- supports they need through- Canberra with its beautiful ing barriers without it. out their life. I was excited to scenery, its clean and mod- If you’re reading this, you become the ACT’s Minister ern town centres, its vi- have likely seen or directly for Disability and help imple- brant cultural and sporting experienced barriers created ment this once-in-a-lifetime life and community facilities, by systems and structures; reform, because I know the we can rightfully be proud of barriers created by politics difference it is making for so the city we’re building here. and power. Barriers caused many. I also acknowledge my We’re making it easier to get by lack of thought or insight. predecessor as Minister, Joy around. ACT Labor’s invest- Barriers caused by a lack of Burch MLA, for all the advo- ment in an integrated trans- compassion. Barriers like ac- cacy and heavy lifting she did port network combines light tually getting in the door and to support the introduction rail, buses and active travel getting a seat at the table to of the NDIS in Canberra dur- to make sure our transport discuss the issues. ing the formative years. system is convenient, mod- These are barriers which I hear from individuals ern and meets the needs of we as a community rightly no and families about the life “A Future Without Barriers” all Canberrans. Transport longer consider acceptable. changes they’re seeing be- Canberra combines access, Some barriers are created de- cause of the NDIS. People We live in a wonderful place: innovation and sustainabil- spite good intentions. I refer are learning more, working, Canberra is the world’s most ity to deliver this vision. By to the silent barriers organi- becoming more independ- livable city. I want to make 2022 our entire public trans- sations, systems and services ent, using updated equip- sure our most livable city is port fleet will be Easy Access, sometimes put around people. ment and most importantly, also the most accessible. An fully wheelchair accessible. Programs and practices that, participating as equals. Inclusive Canberra, with a For some it might be easy with the best of intentions, Our transition has been community where people to forget that the riches of separate people with disabil- overwhelmingly smooth; we

13 ENGAGE

have navigated the teething ple with disability who will the Strategy’s six priority responsibility of all mem- problems that come with any increasingly come knocking areas to life in Canberra: dis- bers of a socially inclusive major reform. The ACT Gov- on their doors, asking for the ability rights, protection, jus- society – families, carers, ernment has supported indi- same opportunities as an- tice and legislation; inclusive support workers, employers, viduals and services to make yone else. I’m proud to say and accessible communities; community organisations, sure the implementation of that here in Canberra, we’re learning and skills; economic non-government organisa- the NDIS is successful and tru- certainly on the road to en- security; health and wellbe- tions, community members ly transforms the way Canber- suring all eligible partici- ing; and personal and com- and Government. ACT Labor rans with disability are sup- pants will have appropriate munity support. is committed to improving ported. People will have op- access to NDIS supports. In 2015 the ACT Labor the lives of Canberrans with tions and make choices about I’m in no doubt about the Government launched ‘IN- disability, now and into the how they access support power people with disability VOLVE’, Canberra’s disabil- future. For all the good the through services, safeguards, have, through the choices ity commitment. ‘INVOLVE’ NDIS is doing for our com- networks and communities. they make now, to shape the supports Canberrans with munity, for all the improve- The market and the com- NDIS of the future. For peo- disability to be genuinely ments it is making to the munity are responding to ple with disability, their fam- involved in social and eco- lives of people with disabil- the diverse needs and pref- ilies and carers, this is a time nomic opportunities, it cre- ity; there is more we can do. erences of people with disa- of tremendous hope and ex- ates collaborative be- bility. It’s right that the NDIS pectation. In the years ahead, tween government, business STOP PRESS has changed the way disabil- systems will be developed and community. ity supports are funded and and tested and then re-de- We launched INVOLVE Shortly before going to provided because the new signed and re-tested. Pro- because we know being pres- press ACT Labor released way puts the person with cesses will become smoother ent in the community isn’t their election priorities for disability front and centre, and things will work better. the same as being included. disability. If re-elected, ACT it gives that person choice We need to keep working Being included means meet- Labor will continue to have a and control. together through the inevi- ing people, forming relation- Minister for Disability in the The NDIS has the poten- table changing landscape of ships, making real and ongo- Cabinet. tial to open up many oppor- these early days of the NDIS. ing connections and carving Labor would also estab- tunities. Health, Housing and ACT Labor is committed to out socially valued opportu- lish a disability strategic pol- Education are all sectors now continuing to work to the nities. icy unit, the Office for Disa- looking at how to accommo- National Disability Strategy Improving the lives of bility (OfD). Initial priority date the expectations of peo- 2010-2020. We are bringing people with disability is the areas for the Office will be:

14 Canberra Disability Review | Issue # 2 – Spring 2016

Local implementation of the The Canberra Liberals of light rail from Gungahlin proving the ACTION Network National Disability Strategy; are committed to removing to the City. We believe that comes at a fraction of the Maintaining the ACT Gov- any barriers that impede any there are more deserving cost of building and operat- ernments ongoing role in person with a disability liv- projects and issues that war- ing light rail, as well provid- the future governance and ing in the ACT. rant the funding. ing a service which benefits local input into the NDIS; We also recognise that The Canberra Liberals are all Canberrans and pays par- and Facilitation of the Disa- the community sector is the very concerned that the cost ticular attention to the acces- bility Reference Group with heavy lifter when it comes to of properties on the route sibility and transport needs a renewed focus on policy service provision. By listen- may force people on low in- of people with a disability. advise, inclusion and access. ing to the community sec- comes to move away and With regards to the ed- Labor has also promised tor, we believe we can better experience transport disad- ucational needs of students to develop an ACT Disability support community organi- vantage. In fact, many of the with a disability,the Canberra Justice Strategy and estab- sations in their quest to im- replacement public hous- Liberals have announced the lish a Community Organisa- prove services and accessi- ing properties that are being More Support for All Schools tions Access Grant Fund. This bility, and therefore improve constructed or acquired are package which among other will provide $200,000 over the lives for all Canberrans far from the light rail corri- priorities commits $17.5 mil- four years to assist small living with a disability. dor. Under light rail, many di- lion to support children with voluntary organisations to Accessibility in all forms rect buses to the city will be special needs in our non-gov- train their leaders in disa- remains an issue. This has cancelled and people will be ernment schools, this in ad- bility awareness issues and been clearly identified as a forced to interchange from a dition to current investment carry out physical access im- key shortfall when it comes bus to a tram. This is not only in the public system. Anoth- provement works. to the ACT Government’s time consuming but can also er part of the package is $7.5 policy agenda. be very difficult, especially million for Canberra’s special The ACT Government for people with a disability. schools, which includes a $1 Andrew Wall MLA does not currently have The Government’s pro- million grant for each of the (Canberra Liberals) a single portal that pro- jections are that the sys- schools for specialised infra- vides advice on accessibility, tem will carry less than 1% structure. whether these issues are re- of Canberrans to work or This is in addition to our lated to fixed infrastructure school every morning. Fur- commitment to funding new and old or services such thermore, traffic assess- nurses in each of our special as public transport. PWD ments have indicated that schools, totaling $500,000. (ACT) has comprehensive- light rail will actually make The lack of adequate em- ly articulated the need for a congestion on Northbourne ployment opportunities for more modern and collabora- Avenue worse. people with a disability is tive approach to this issue. However, just the first another area in which the A Canberra Liberal Gov- stage of the light rail system Canberra Liberals will pay ernment would work close- will cost $707 million to build particular attention should ly to ensure this need is ad- and an average of $64 million we form Government on Oc- dressed in a holistic way per year to finance and op- tober 16th. and will establish a Disabil- erate. Stage 2, recently an- The targets set down for ity Access Taskforce to en- nounced, doubles that fig- employment opportunities “Key priority areas … a Disabili- hance accessibility for all ure. Ex-Treasury Director Dr in the ACT Public Service ty Access Taskforce” Canberrans with a disability Khalid Ahmed has estimated for people with a disability as suggested in a submission the total price will be in the went from a total of 327 in The Canberra Liberals have during the 2016-17 Budget region of $14 billion. 2010 to a total of 655 in 2015. identified a number of key process by PWDACT. The At such a huge construc- The goal for 2014 was set at priority areas for people Canberra Liberals believe tion cost and annual bill, the 578 but the actual number of with a disability that will that experience should in- Canberra Liberals are also jobs in play was only 438 – a be the focus of Government form practical solutions that concerned about the finan- shortfall from the original should we be successful at can enhance the lives of peo- cial burden that will rest ‘aspirational’ goal of 140 jobs. the ACT election on October ple with a disability in the with future generations of In 2015 the goal increased 15th. These priorities have ACT. This will assist them to taxpayers. yet again to 655. By continu- been identified through en- live, work and commute in Instead of building light ing to change the goalposts gagement with key organi- our city more easily. rail, the Canberra Liberals and the method of measur- sations and individuals with The Canberra Liberals do will make improvements to ing progress we have not lived experience. not support the introduction the ACTION network. Im- made any improvements to

15 ENGAGE

prove access across the city, including on transport. In addition, the ACT Greens are committed to en- suring all buses meet DDA standards by 2020. Additionally, the ACT Greens will provide an addi- tional $4 million dollars over four years to roll out more age and disability friend- ly suburbs across Canberra. The $4 million will fund fea- sibility, detailed design and accessibility improvements in eight new suburbs across Canberra. Through my years of experience in the commu- the lives of people with a dis- to independence, self- changing people or their dis- nity sector, particularly in ability. We believe expecta- determination,­ choice and abilities. People are exclud- the area of violence against tions must be managed and freedom from discrimina- ed when our society fails to women, but also as Gender a realistic approach taken in tion in their lives. This in- accommodate for differenc- Advisor to the ACT NDIS the first instance. cludes people with disabil- es, and creates, or fails to re- Taskforce, I have become What are needed are ities who are often forced move, barriers to equitable acutely aware of the lack of achievable goals – this is to live in a world that is de- access for all. access to justice for people what the disability communi- signed for the nondisabled, We believe that involve- with a disability. ty expects and what the dis- which inadvertently or de- ment of people with disabil- People with a disability ability community deserves. liberately poses barriers to ities in all levels of decision are often more adversely af- their full inclusion and par- and policy making is vital, fected when they are a vic- ticipation in our society. to ensure that policies, ur- tim of crime, as well when Veronica Wensing, People with disabilities ban design and programs accusations have been made Disability are valued members of our are properly taking into ac- against them. Their cred- Spokesperson community. They, and their count their needs. Those ibility as witnesses can be (ACT Greens) families and carers, should who struggle to get around called into question or they wherever possible have the our city are the people who can be disadvantaged in be- opportunity to actively par- can offer the best insights ing able to explain what has ticipate in policy, service into how to make it better. happened. This can often planning and delivery and That’s why the ACT result in inappropriate, in- be able to fully realize their Greens will establish an Ac- adequate protection of their life goals. cess Advisory Council to pro- rights and lack of access to People with disabilities vide strategic advice about justice. Equally, people with should be able to access how to improve our urban disabilities who are accused safe, affordable and appro- spaces and ensure our new of crimes are disproportion- priate housing, education, developments and transport ately incarcerated and have training opportunities and meet the necessary stand- an increased likelihood of employment, transport and ards to ensure our city is ac- repeated contact with the justice, all of which are key cessible for people with a dis- criminal justice system. to positive social inclusion ability and who are ageing. In some instances, legal and wellbeing, and neces- The Access Advisory decisions around competen- “… a right to independence, sary for their full participa- Council would be responsi- cy do not take supported de- self-determination, choice and tion in society. ble for advising on the de- cision making processes into freedom” We must focus on remov- velopment of a Universal account. ing the barriers that we have Design Charter for Canberra, People with disabilities The ACT Greens believe created in our society, rath- and provide advice to Gov- are also affected by inter- that all people have a right er than trying to find ways of ernment about how to im- personal/domestic violence

16 Canberra Disability Review | Issue # 2 – Spring 2016

while in residential care situ- be varied. The ACT Greens ance Scheme. However, the advocacy organisations to ations; yet domestic violence believe that we need to in- NDIS implementation has re- undertake policy develop- law in the ACT doesn’t apply crease both the supply and vealed specific gaps around ment and advocacy. The ACT to these circumstances. the affordability of housing the provision of collective Greens will also allocate an The ACT Greens will de- to enable people with disa- services for those with a dis- additional $300,000 to sup- velop and implement a Dis- bilities to better access se- ability. The ACT Greens will port the implementation of ability Justice Strategy that cure housing. support the continuation of the National Disability Strat- will address the systemic In addition, the ACT a Minister for Disability to egy in Canberra through the disadvantage that people Greens will provide $50k drive whole of government work of CBRInvolve. with disabilities experience per annum to support a pro- disability policy in the ACT. The Greens also support in our justice system. This fessional housing advoca- We also think it is impor- the development of a Car- will need to be developed in cy for people living with a tant for the ACT Government ers Strategy for Canberra so collaboration with the com- disability. We will ensure to have capacity to progress that the incredible contribu- munity sector and include mainstream housing and negotiations with the NDIA tion carers make to the lives representation from across homelessness programs are and the Federal Government of those with a disability and the government. accessible to people with on disability issues, as well our community as a whole is People with disabilities disabilities, and that all ac- advocate for additional sup- recognised and valued. often have less options when commodation proposals are ports for information, linkag- Issues that matter to peo- it comes to securing housing, compliant with the Disability es and capacity building (ILC). ple with disabilities, are is- whether that be through pri- Discrimination Act and have The representation of sues that matter to the ACT vate rental or sale, or public had human rights assess- people with a disability in Greens. We will do our best or community housing. Ac- ment undertaken. We will policy development about to ensure that your voic- cessing secure and appro- also work to provide better issues that integrally affect es are heard and reflected priate housing can be diffi- access to supported accom- them is crucial, and the ACT in decisions that are made cult due to both the cost of modation and support inno- Greens support the ongoing about issues that affect you housing as well as the chal- vative models for housing for role of the ACT Disability Ex- and we will work together lenges in finding accommo- people with a disability. pert Panel made up consum- for a community that values, dation that is appropriately The ACT Greens support ers of disability services to respects and benefits from adapted or supported. Ulti- the full implementation advise on the continued im- your contributions. mately, people with disabil- of the National Disability plementation of the NDIS. ities need a range of options Strategy, and remain com- We will also provide an to be available to suit their mitted to the full rollout of additional $100,000 per an- See our editorial for comment needs, and those needs will the National Disability Insur- num for peak disability rights and analysis

17 PHOTO ESSAY Nothing About Us, Without Us On Saturday 17th September 2016 over 30 people with disabilities gathered in the eerie quiet of a once busy Canberra Plaza to raise our voices about issues that concern us as we travel, live and find home in Canberra. Here are some signs, words and images that tell the story…

“Everything revolves around home. It is central to the beginning and end of our li