The Federal government is providing $3.7 million to build another 31 Changing Places accessible bathroom facilities.
The Commonwealth is partnering with the states and territories to fund 40 to 50 per cent of the cost of new facilities. Thirteen facilities will be built in New South Wales, 11 in Western Australia, four in the Northern Territory, two in South Australia and one in Tasmania.
Changing Places provide people with complex needs and their caregivers access to suitable, safe, and specialised bathroom facilities.
What will this funding do?
Minister for Social Services Amanda Rishworth said this round of funding will add to over 300 of the facilities around Australia.
“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,” she 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.”
Outgoing Minister for the NDIS, 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.
“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,” he explained.
The states and territories have already received the funding to begin construction.
Facilities are at various stages of development, with all 31 Changing Places facilities expected to commence construction in the next 12 months.
Find more information on the Department of Social Services website.