17 August 2004

Final two weeks for submissions to Transport Inquiry

People wanting to make submissions to the Inquiry into Accessible Public Land Transport for people with disabilities have until submissions close on 31 August.

The Inquiry is being conducted by the Human Rights Commission and was announced last September. In May the Commission invited the public to make submissions.

Chief Human Rights Commissioner Rosslyn Noonan said the Inquiry would consider the need for changes to legislation, regulations, policies and procedures and funding arrangements relating to the delivery of public land transport.

"The lack of an accessible public land transport system is often a major barrier for disabled people to access jobs, education or even recreation and other community activities," Ms Noonan said.

"I would encourage all those with an interest in accessible land transport issues to make a submission or attend a public hearing in September or October."

The schedule for public hearings is:

-Dunedin - 27-28 September -Oamaru - 29th September -Auckland - 30th Sept-2nd October -Wellington - 4-6th October -Palmerston North - 7th October
Hamilton - 8th October

All submitters have until 31 August to make submissions or register their interest in appearing at a public hearing.

Confirmed hearing dates/venues will be posted in the public notices sections of local newspapers closer to the scheduled dates. The information will also be available by contacting the Commission Infoline (0800 496 877) or on the HRC web site: www.hrc.co.nz/Inquiry.

Since 1994 discrimination against people with disabilities has been unlawful in a number of areas including access by the public to places, vehicles and facilities and in the provision of goods and services.

The issue is potentially a large one. The 2000-2001 national disability survey, conducted by Statistics New Zealand found that one in five New Zealanders - a total of 743,800 people - reported some level of disability.

Making a submission

Submissions or indications of those wanting to present their submissions at the public hearings should be sent to: Bruce Coleman, Project Manager, Human Rights Commission, PO Box 1578, Christchurch; or to brucec@hrc.co.nz

Public submissions can be presented in handwritten, typed, taped, emailed or fax formats or through the TTY (teletypewriter) access number 0800 150 111.

Further information or copies of the Inquiry Consultation Report can be found on the Commission's web site in several formats: www.hrc.co.nz/Inquiry
ENDS

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