The Disability Standards for Accessible Public Transport Amendment 2026 has passed through Parliament successfully, commenced on 13th October 2026 (the commencement day), and is now legally operative.
Press release link: Reforms to improve public transport accessibility | Our ministers – Attorney-General’s portfolio
Click here for the Consolidated DSAPT & Amendment 2026
The amendment is extensive in nature and has varying rules that are to be applied, which heavily depend on whether an asset falls within the legal definitions of ‘new’ or ‘existing’ within Part 35.1. Consultants and stakeholders applying the DSAPT & the amendment must therefore apply these definitions to their specific project/development to determine how the amendment applies.
Additional rules also apply to new works within existing conveyances, premises and infrastructure, and reference to the DSAPT 2002, as well as the DSAPT Amendment 2026 Part 35, must be taken into account to ensure correct application.
An important provision that has been included in the amendment is that where operators and providers comply with the amendment, compliance is also deemed to be achieved with the DSAPT 2002 for its corresponding provision.
Transitional (grace) periods of 5 and 10 years have been set under Part 35 from the commencement day to allow specified existing assets to be upgraded to the current requirements, with new compliance target dates of October 2031 and 2036 for those elements.
The following DSAPT application will apply from 13 October 2026:
- For ‘new’ assets, apply the DSAPT 2002 & DSAPT Amendment 2026, including Part 35.
- For ‘existing’ assets:
- For existing trains and trams, the DSAPT 2002 applies with the existing compliance target date of 31st Dec 2032 retained. If the train/tram remains in service after this date, Part 35 of the DSAPT Amendment 2026 is also to be applied.
- For all other existing conveyances and existing premises & infrastructure (except premises covered by the Premises Standards), the DSAPT 2002 applies as well as Part 35 of the DSAPT Amendment 2026.
- For new works to existing assets, the DSAPT 2002 applies, as does Part 35 of the DSAPT Amendment 2026.
Treatment of ‘Premises’ under the NCC, Building Code of Australia (BCA) & Premises Standards
Another important factor is that the BCA Part I2 and Premises Standards Part H2, in relation to public transport buildings, continue to be subject to the older standards, resulting in conflicting compliance assessments for projects. Although both instruments were updated recently, they were released prior to the DSAPT Amendment 2026, and it is assumed that the amendment will be considered in any future updates of the BCA/Premises Standards to align all pieces of legislation. In the meantime, because compliance with the DSAPT Amendment 2026 qualifies as compliance with the DSAPT 2002, a performance solution may be investigated to ensure applicable buildings comply with the amendment, and it should be discussed among stakeholders, including the building surveyor.
Engaging an access consultant who is well-versed in applying the DSAPT and understands the new amendment and its application is important to ensure that relevant stakeholders, including public transport operators and providers, meet their DDA obligations.
Contact office@equalaccessgroup.com.au or call us on (03) 9001 5805 for assistance with your next public transport project.
Summary Tables: DSAPT Amendment 2026
Alison Shiels has prepared a forensic-level analysis of the DSAPT Amendment 2026 to help us better understand the changes.
View the DSAPT Amendment 2026 Review Now
The tables following provide a summary of the amendment schedules. EA advises that readers consult with the appropriate legislation and guiding documents when applying the requirements of the DSAPT to public transport conveyances, premises and infrastructure projects, including the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA), the DSAPT 2002, the DSAPT Amendment 2026, the DSAPT Guides (both versions) and the DSAPT Explanatory Statement to ensure a precise application.