AustraliaAn older building has no wheelchair access and the owner refuses to install a ramp. Can I demand it?
You cannot unilaterally demand a ramp, but the building owner may be legally required to make reasonable adjustments under the Disability Discrimination Act 1992.
What the Law Says
The Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (Cth) prohibits discrimination against people with disability in areas including access to premises. While it doesn’t mandate automatic installation of ramps, it requires 'reasonable adjustments' to avoid unlawful discrimination.
Under the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (Cth), it is unlawful to discriminate against a person because of their disability — including by failing to make reasonable adjustments to premises.
Section 24 specifically says that refusing to make a 'reasonable adjustment' for a person with disability is unlawful discrimination if the adjustment is necessary to enable them to access premises or services.
What counts as 'reasonable' depends on factors like the cost, disruption, size and resources of the business or owner, and the benefit to the person with disability. A small family-owned shop may face different expectations than a large shopping centre.
The law applies to all premises open to the public — including shops, offices, restaurants, and common areas of residential buildings — regardless of when the building was constructed.
Statutory TextIt is unlawful for a person to discriminate against another person on the ground of the other person's disability... by refusing to make reasonable adjustments...
— Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (Cth), s. 24 — Reasonable adjustments
Statutory TextDiscrimination includes... direct discrimination and indirect discrimination.
— Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (Cth), s. 5 — Direct discrimination; s. 6 — Indirect discrimination
What to Do
Contact the Australian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) to make a free, confidential complaint.
Gather evidence: photos of the barrier, notes on how it affects access, and any communication with the owner.
Ask the owner in writing to consider a reasonable adjustment — clearly explain why it’s needed and suggest practical options (e.g., portable ramp, alternative entry).
If unresolved, the AHRC can help mediate or, if necessary, refer the matter to the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia.
Sources
Not legal advice. This article is general information based on publicly available sources, written for educational purposes. Laws change and individual situations vary. Consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction before acting on anything you read here. Last reviewed: 2026-06-08.