Exposure draft - Reform of the Disability Standards for Accessible Public Transport 2002 (Transport Standards)

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:

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 remaining 40 of 41

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.

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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.

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The Department may use your contact information to make further contact with you about your submission and the consultation process.

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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.

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Confidential submissions will not be published and will only be disclosed in the following circumstances:

  • in response to a request by a Commonwealth Minister;
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  • where necessary in the public interest; or
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