We're seeking feedback on an exposure draft of the amending instrument that will allow the implementation of reforms to the Transport Standards. We're also seeking feedback on updated guidelines which assist in interpreting and implementing the Transport Standards.
Why we want your input
In March 2024 the Australian Government announced a package of reforms to modernise the Transport Standards and improve the accessibility of Australia’s public transport network for people with disability. Your feedback on the exposure draft and supporting guidelines will help make sure the legislative amendments are easy to understand and reflect the agreed reform package.How you can voice your opinion
Please review the exposure draft of the amended Transport Standards and supporting guidelines and tell us what you think by making a submission or emailing us at disabilitytransport@infrastructure.gov.au.What will be the outcome of this consultation?
Your feedback will be considered when finalising the updated Transport Standards and supporting guidelines, with the finalised standards and guidelines leading to a more accessible public transport network.The Issue
Access to public transport is critical for people with disability to fully participate in the community and the economy. In March 2024, the Australian Government announced a package of reforms to the Transport Standards. The reforms aim to improve public transport accessibility and remove discrimination against people with disability. The reforms were developed in collaboration with people with disability, the public transport industry and state and territory governments. Further information about the reform process is available at Reform of the Disability Standards for Accessible Public Transport 2002 (Transport Standards).
We are now seeking feedback on an exposure draft of the amending instrument to implement the reform package and revised version of the Transport Standards Guidelines. You can access the exposure draft, revised Guidelines and a range of supporting documents below.
We are seeking feedback on:
- The clarity of the amendments and if they reflect the intent of the agreed reforms.
- The effectiveness of the transitional arrangements for operators and providers, particularly in scenarios where processes are underway to acquire or significantly upgrade assets.
- Any other relevant view or information.
You can provide feedback on individual amendments, the whole exposure draft, or just the sections relevant to your industry, interest area or individual circumstance.
Please note we are not seeking suggestions on any further reforms to the Transport Standards. There will be an opportunity to identify future areas for reform in the next statutory review of the Transport Standards which will commence in 2027.
To share your feedback:
- Make a submission below by clicking the 'Have Your Say' button
- Email us and share your feedback in writing, via video or by sending an audio recording to DisabilityTransport@infrastructure.gov.au
- Call 1800 621 372
Relevant documentation
Exposure draft
Exposure draft overview paper
Updated Guidelines
Compilation of draft amendments
The compilation is a version of the Transport Standards that makes it easier to understand what the Transport Standards will look like once the amendments take effect. The compilation should be read alongside the exposure draft.
For your reference, a summary document outlining the reform process and reform package is also available in a range of formats. These documents do not outline how the legislative changes are being implemented.
Summary of reform areas
Easy Read—Summary of reform areas
Auslan—Summary of reform areas
Languages other than English—Summary of reform areas
Participate
10 Oct 2025 09:00 AEDT
20 Nov 2025 11:59 AEDT
Open
days
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We invite you to tell us your views on this topic.
Please include:
- contact name
- organisation name, if applicable
- contact details, including telephone number, postal and email addresses
- confirmation whether or not your submission can be made public—published—or kept confidential.
All submissions to be made public need to meet the Digital Service Standard for accessibility. Any submission that does not meet this standard may be modified before being made public.
If your submission is to be made public, please ensure you do not include any personal information that you don't want to be published.
If your submission is confidential, please ensure each page of the submission is marked as confidential.
Please click on the 'Have your say now' button below to upload your submission.
Privacy Collection Notice
Exposure draft—Reform of the Disability Standards for Accessible Public Transport 2002(Transport Standards)
Your submission, including any personal information supplied, is being collected by the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts ("the department") in accordance with the Privacy Act 1988.
Use
The department may use your submission to inform the finalisation of the amending instrument to implement reforms to the Disability Standards for Accessible Public Transport 2002.
Disclosure
The department may disclose your submission to the Attorney-General's Department, as the department responsible for the Disability Discrimination Act 1992, where required to support the finalisation of the amending instrument. The department may publish your submission as explained below. Otherwise your submission will not be disclosed unless authorised or required by law.
Contacting you
The department may use your contact information to make further contact with you about your submission and the consultation process.
Publication
Unless marked confidential (see below) submissions (including the author's name) may be published in part or full on the department's website or in any public response by the department. When publishing, the department will redact any personal contact details of the author.
Confidentiality
Confidential submissions will not be published and will only be disclosed in the following circumstances:
- in response to a request by a Commonwealth Minister;
- where required by a House or a Committee of the Parliament of the Commonwealth of Australia;
- where necessary in the public interest; or
- where authorised or required by law.
Submissions will only be treated as confidential if they are expressly stated to be confidential. Automatically generated confidentiality statements or disclaimers appended to an email do not suffice for this purpose. If you wish you make a confidential submission, you must indicate this by ensuring your submission is clearly marked confidential. Even if a submission is not marked confidential, the department may choose not to publish it, or any part of it, in the department's discretion (for example where it includes personal information or opinions about a third party).
Access
The department will securely store your personal information and the department's privacy policy contains information regarding complaint handling processes and how to access and/or seek correction of personal information held by the department. Further information is available at Privacy | Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts.