Rachel Siewert (WA, Australian Greens) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

asked the Minister representing the Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, upon notice, on 4 October 2011:

(1) Is the Minister aware that the Victorian Department of Transport is ignoring the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (the Act) by ordering $300 million worth of new trams which do not meet federal standards?

(2) Will the Commonwealth be providing any of the funds for these trams?

(3) Has any rationale been provided as to why the decision was made to order these new trams when they did not comply with the requirements of the Act?

(4) Is the Minister concerned that the Victorian Department of Transport in ordering trams that do not meet federal standards is discriminating against people with a disability?

(5) Is the Minister concerned that people living with a disability will not be able to use public transport?

Kim Carr (Victoria, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The Minister for Infrastructure and Transport has provided the following answer to the honourable senator's question:

(1) The Victorian Department of Transport has advised my Department that the E-Class trams that it is procuring are compliant with the Disability Standards for Accessible Public Transport 2002.

(2) No

(3) Not applicable

(4) Not applicable

(5) Not applicable