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The tables below 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.
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Amdt No. | DSAPT Reference | Subsection/ Description | Applies to: | DSAPT Amendment 2026 | Summary of Changes | Part 35: Application Rule |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
DSAPT Part 7 Waiting areas | ||||||
Schedule 7 -Part 7 (Waiting areas) Amendments | ||||||
1 | 7.1 Minimum number of seats to be provided Heading Change: 7.1 Minimum number of priority seats and allocated spaces | Subsections 7.1(1)-(7): Minimum no of priority seats & allocated spaces | Premises & infrastructure | Section repealed and substituted into subsections 7.1(1)-(7) including application table. | New clause improves access to priority seating by rounding up numbers, consolidating priority seating and allocated spaces, confirms application to bus stops, confirms application for a single bench’s vs multiple priority seating, includes seat width for calculations, adds a new table to clarify application. | Applies to new seating and allocated spaces and existing seating and allocated spaces after the 5yr transitional period. |
7.2 Minimum number of allocated spaces to be provided | N/A-Repealed | Premises & infrastructure | Section repealed and substituted into section 7.1 including application table. | N/A | ||
Amdt No. | DSAPT Reference | Subsection/ Description | Applies to: | DSAPT Amendment 2026 | Summary of Changes | Part 35: Application Rule |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
DSAPT Part 8, Boarding | ||||||
Schedule 8-Part 8 (Boarding) Amendments | ||||||
1 | 8.1 Boarding points and kerbs | Subsection 8.1(1): Accessible boarding points | Premises & infrastructure | Subsection 8.1(1) repealed and substituted to reflect modern drafting principles. | The same provision applies – no other effect. | No rule applies. |
2 | 8.1 Boarding points and kerbs | Subsection 8.1(3): Application table | Premises & infrastructure | Application table amended under new subsection 8.1(3). | Clarifies table application – no other effect. | N/A - administrative amendment only. |
3 | 8.1A Nominated assistance boarding points—trains | Subsection 8.1A(1)-(3): Independent boarding | Conveyances-trains Premises-Train stations Infrastructure-Railway platforms | New section 8.1A added including new application table. | To improve boarding safety for passengers with disability. Requires independent boarding at all accessible doors ‘where possible’ and notes that a door may only become accessible when a boarding device is deployed. Where independent boarding is not possible a nominated assistance point is to be provided for direct assistance to board as well as available means of communication with staff (face to face or communication device). Table clarifies application to trains, train stations and railway platforms. | Applies to:
|
8.1B Boarding points—buses, trams and light rail | Subsection 8.1B(1)-(4): Boarding point grades/crossfalls | Infrastructure-bus boarding points, tram boarding points, light rail boarding points | New section 8.1B added including new application table. | Mandates safe and accessible grades & crossfalls at bus, tram and light rail boarding points where it is possible to achieve and where safety of the boarding device is maintained when deployed from the conveyance. | Applies to new, additional or replacement boarding devices* installed on or after the commencement day. | |
8.1C Identification of accessible car on conveyances | Subsection 8.1C(1)&(2): Accessible train cars | Conveyances-Trains | New section 8.1C added including new application table. | Requires individual train cars to be marked as accessible only where the car provides a seat, a priority seat, an allocated space, and an accessible version of any other facility provided on the train such as a toilet – in this case the train must provide access to an accessible toilet. This will allow passengers to make decisions on which train/car to choose based on individual needs. | Applies to new conveyances. | |
4 | 8.2 When boarding devices must be provided | Subsection 8.2(1)(a): Boarding devices for vertical gaps | Conveyances* *Except dedicated school buses & small aircraft | Subsection 8.2(1)(a) removes an old, referenced standard and substitutes it with a modern one. | Provides an updated source AS 3856.1 (2021) for the maximum 12mm vertical rise requirement in relation to boarding devices. No other effect – Provision retained. | No rule applies. |
5 | 8.2 When boarding devices must be provided | Subsection 8.2(1)(b): Boarding devices for horizontal gaps | Conveyances* *Except dedicated school buses & small aircraft | Subsection 8.2(1)(b) removes an old, referenced standard and substitutes it with a modern one. | Provides an updated source AS 3856.1 (2021) for the maximum 40mm horizontal gap requirement in relation to boarding devices. No other effect – Provision retained. | No rule applies. |
6 | 8.2 When boarding devices must be provided | Subsection 8.2(2): Application table | Conveyances* *Except dedicated school buses & small aircraft | Application table amended under new subsection 8.2(2). | Clarifies table application – no other effect. | N/A - administrative amendment only. |
7 | 8.3 Use of boarding devices | Subsection 8.3(3): Application table | Conveyances* *Except dedicated school buses & small aircraft | Application table amended under new subsection 8.3(3). | Clarifies table application – no other effect. | N/A - administrative amendment only. |
8 | 8.4 Hail-and-ride services | Subsection 8.4(1): Accessible boarding | Conveyances-Hail-and-ride services* * Except dedicated school buses | Wording removed from subsection 8.4(1). | Clause improved to better reflect the intent of hail-and-ride bus services – the clause required hail-and-ride services to be provided at ‘nominated’ accessible boarding points where boarding devices can be deployed. The amendment removes the word ‘nominated’ to ensure that the service is available at any ‘accessible boarding point’. | No rule applies. |
9 | 8.4 Hail-and-ride services | Subsection 8.4(2): Accessible boarding | Conveyances-Hail-and-ride services* * Except dedicated school buses | Word added to subsection 8.4(2). | Clause clarified to improve the intent – word ‘accessible’ inserted to ensure equal access to ‘accessible’ boarding points. | No rule applies. |
10 | 8.4 Hail-and-ride services | Subsection 8.4(3): Application table | Conveyances-Hail-and-ride services* * Except dedicated school buses | Application table amended under new subsection 8.4(3). | Clarifies table application – no other effect. | N/A - administrative amendment only. |
11 | 8.5 Width and surface of boarding devices | Subsection 8.5(1): Boarding device features | Conveyances* *Except dedicated school buses & small aircraft | Numbering added at subsection 8.5(1) for clause consistency. | No other effect. | N/A - administrative amendment only. |
12 | 8.5 Width and surface of boarding devices | Subsection 8.5(b): Boarding device surface safety | Conveyances* *Except dedicated school buses & small aircraft | Wording amendment at subsection 8.5(1)(b) including new reference to AS 1428.1 (2021). | Clause improved for better and safer access to boarding devices. Adds reference to AS 1428.1 (2021) clause 4.1 to ensure that the boarding device surface is traversable for passengers with mobility limitations and vision loss. | Applies to new additional or replacement boarding devices brought into service on/after the commencement day. Does not apply to existing boarding devices. |
13 | 8.5 Width and surface of boarding devices | Subsection 8.5(2): Application table | Conveyances* *Except dedicated school buses & small aircraft | Table amended under new subsection 8.5(2). | Clarifies table application – no other effect. | No rule applies. |
14 | 8.6 Maximum load to be supported by boarding device | Subsection 8.6(3): Application table | Conveyances* *Except dedicated school buses & small aircraft | Table amended under new subsection 8.6(3). | Clarifies table application – no other effect. | No rule applies. |
15 | 8.6A Boarding ramps | Subsection 8.6A(1): Boarding ramp safety features | Conveyances* *Except dedicated school buses & small aircraft | New subsection 8.6A(1) added that replaces an older referenced standard ASNZS 3856.1 (1998) under Part 6 of the DSAPT & references the current AS 3856.1 (2021). | Introduces similar provisions previously in the DSAPT Part 6 ‘Ramps’ for consolidation purposes. Improves safety provisions by increasing the maximum boarding ramp surface protrusion permitted by AS 3856.1 to 7mm (6mm previously). Includes a new provision for no gaps in the ramp that would permit a 40mm diameter ball to fit through. | Applies to new, additional or replacement boarding ramps brought into service on/after the commencement day. |
8.6A Boarding ramps | Subsection 8.6A(2): Boarding ramp safety features | Conveyances* *Except dedicated school buses & small aircraft | New subsection 8.6A(2) added. | Adds 65-75mm high edge protection at the sides of portable boarding ramps, regardless of vertical rise. | Applies to new, additional or replacement boarding ramps brought into service on/after the commencement day. | |
8.6A Boarding ramps | Subsection 8.6A(3): Application table | Conveyances* *Except dedicated school buses & small aircraft | New table added under subsection 8.6(A)(3). | Clarifies table application. | Applies to new, additional or replacement boarding ramps brought into service on/after the commencement day. | |
8.6B Slope of external boarding ramps | Subsection 8.6B(1): Boarding ramp slope | Conveyances* *Except dedicated school buses & small aircraft | New subsection 8.6B(1) added. | Consolidates the requirements of ramps from Part 6.4 into section 8.6(B) relating to boarding ramps for convenience. Provisions are retained. | No rule applies. | |
8.6B Slope of external boarding ramps | Subsection 8.6B(2): Definition for ‘Assisted’ | Conveyances* *Except dedicated school buses & small aircraft | New subsection 8.6B(2) added. | Clarifies ‘assisted access’ intent by including a new definition - a driver or other person provided by the operator or provider of the conveyance to assist a person with disability when using boarding ramps. | No rule applies. | |
8.6B(3) Slope of external boarding ramps | Subsection 8.6B(3): Application table | Conveyances* *Except dedicated school buses & small aircraft | New table added under subsection 8.6B(3). | Clarifies table application. | No rule applies. | |
8.6C Length and security of removeable gangways | Subsection 8.6C(1): Removable gangway safety features | Conveyances-ferries | New subsection added. | Introduces new requirements for removable gangways from existing industry standards including safety provisions for tidal movement while a ferry is berthed such as sufficient gangway length and means to mechanically secure the gangway at both sides. | Applies to new, additional or replacement removable gangways brought into service on/after the commencement day. | |
8.6C Length and security of removeable gangways | Subsection 8.6C(2): Application table | Conveyances-ferries | New table added under subsection 8.6C(2). | Clarifies table application. | Applies to new, additional or replacement removable gangways brought into service on/after the commencement day. | |
8.6D(1)-(4) Handrails on removeable gangways | Subsection 8.6D(1)-(4): Handrails on removable gangways | Conveyances-ferries | New subsection 8.6D added including application table. | Requires removable gangways on ferries to include two handrails with a circular or elliptical profile 30-52mm diameter, 800mm minimum clear width between rails, 1000mm rail height, and no projections into access paths or circulation spaces as well as domed buttons provisions for handrails at interruption points. | Applies to new, additional or replacement removable gangways brought into service on/after the commencement day. | |
8.6E Side barriers and edge barriers on removeable gangways | Subsection 8.6E(1)-(4): Removable gangways safety barriers | Conveyances-ferries | New subsection 8.6E added with including application table. | Requires removable gangways on ferries to include side/edge safety barriers. | Applies to new, additional or replacement removable gangways brought into service on/after the commencement day. | |
8.6F Gradient of removeable gangways | Subsection 8.6F(1): Gradients | Conveyances-ferries | New subsections added. | Mandates that direct assistance must be made available where any part of a curve on a removable ferry gangway is steeper than 1:8. | Applies to new, additional or replacement removable gangways brought into service on/after the commencement day. | |
8.6F(2) Gradient of removeable gangways | Subsection 8.6F(2): Application table | Conveyances-ferries | New subsection added. | Clarifies table application. | Applies to new, additional or replacement removable gangways brought into service on/after the commencement day. | |
8.6G Surfaces of removeable gangways | Subsection 8.6G(1)-(3): Surfaces | Conveyances-ferries | New subsections added including application table. | Prescribes accessible features to ensure the safety of passengers with disability on removable gangways when boarding/alighting ferries including slip resistance, contrasts and the minimization of gaps to prevent slips, trips and falls. | Applies to new, additional or replacement removable gangways brought into service on/after the commencement day. | |
8.6H Strength requirements and testing of removeable gangways | Subsection 8.6H(1)-(4): Loading | Conveyances-ferries | New subsection added including table application. | Mandates strength and testing requirements for removable gangways on ferries for safety purposes. | Applies to new, additional or replacement removable gangways brought into service on/after the commencement day. | |
16 | 8.7 Signals requesting use of boarding device (Conveyances) Heading Change: 8.7 Requesting use of a boarding device to alight | Subsection 8.7(1)-(5): Signal device features to exit | Conveyances-buses*, coaches, ferries, trains, trams, light rail *Except dedicated school buses | Whole section repealed and substituted. | New clause clarifies the requirements for requesting a boarding device to exit a conveyance. Access improvements for passengers with mobility disability, hearing limitations and people with hand impairment when requesting the use of a boarding device to alight a conveyance including operation of switches & buttons and a new provision where electronic notification systems are provided with an audio function to speak with the driver/operator, they must be supplemented with hearing augmentation. AS 1428.2 removed and substituted with AS 1428.1 (2021) for call buttons. | Applies to new conveyances and to devices installed in conveyances on or after the commencement day. |
17 | 8.8 Notification by passenger of need for boarding device (Premises & infrastructure) Heading Change: 8.8 Requesting use of a boarding device to board | Subsection 8.8(1)-(3): Signal device features to board | Premises & infrastructure | Whole section repealed and substituted. | New clause clarifies the requirements for requesting a boarding device to board a conveyance from premises & infrastructure boarding points. Separates the requirements of boarding vs alighting a conveyance & overlap of elements including removal of conveyances from the table to apply the clause only to premises & infrastructure boarding points. | Subsection 8.8(2) re provision of accessible signal devices at boarding points applies to:
|
18 | 8.9 Identification of lead stops (Buses) | Subsection 8.9(1)-(4): Lead bus stops | Premises-Bus stations Infrastructure-bus zones, bus interchanges | New section added. | New provision added for ‘lead stops’ for buses to help passengers with disability identify which boarding point to use where multiple buses form a queue at one area to pick up/drop off passengers. The clause notes that lead stops are not the same as typical pre-designated bus stops that have their own designated boarding points. | Applies to:
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8.10 Passenger loading zones and taxi ranks within, or associated with, premises and infrastructure | Subsection 8.10(1)-(6): Accessible parking areas & boarding | Premises & infrastructure | New section added. | Adds accessible parking to passenger loading zones & taxi ranks in relation to premises & infrastructure and includes accessible boarding areas, connecting paths, TGSIs and kerb ramps where applicable. | Applies to:
| |
8.11 Passenger loading zones on public streets | Subsection 8.11(1)-(5): Accessible parking on streets | Infrastructure | New section added. | Adds accessible parking to fixed/permanent passenger loading zones in relation to premises & infrastructure on public streets and includes TGSIs, bollards and kerb ramps where applicable. | Applies to:
| |
8.12 Taxi ranks on public streets | Subsection 8.12(1)-(8): Access parking & boarding | Infrastructure | New section added. | Adds accessible parking provisions, boarding areas, connecting access paths, TGSIs, bollards and kerb ramps to permanent taxi ranks on public streets. | Applies to:
| |
8.13 Public parking areas within premises and infrastructure | Subsection 8.13(1)-(5): Accessible parking & ratios | Premises* & infrastructure *Except premises covered by the Premises Standards | New section added. | Adds accessible parking requirements to public transport carparks where 6 or more parking spaces are provided including connecting paths close to entries. | Applies to:
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Amdt No. | DSAPT Reference | Subsection/ Description | Applies to: | DSAPT Amendment 2026 | Summary of Changes | Part 35: Application Rule |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
DSAPT Part 9 Allocated Spaces | ||||||
Schedule 9 -Part 9 (Allocated space) Amendments | ||||||
1-3 | 9.1 Minimum size for allocated space | Subsection 9.1(1)-(3): Allocated space dimensions | Conveyances* *Except dedicated school buses and small aircraft | Numbering added for clause consistency, clause reference to AS 1428.2 cleaned up & application table repealed and substituted to reflect modern drafting principles. | No other effect. | No rule applies. |
4 | 9.1A Unobstructed vertical dimension of an allocated space | Subsection 9.1A(1)-(3): Vertical clearance | Conveyances* *Except dedicated school buses and small aircraft & taxis | New section added. | Adds 1.5m high vertical clearance within allocated spaces for wheelchair users within conveyances. Includes protrusion allowance within the space for grabrails, handrails, hand grips, excursion barriers and signal devices. | Applies to:
|
9.1B Information must be provided —priority access of allocated spaces | Subsection 9.1B(1)-(3): Priority signage | Conveyances-buses*, ferries, trains, trams, light rail *Except dedicated school buses | New section added. | Adds contrasting priority signage to identify allocated spaces for passengers with mobility disability. | Applies to:
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5-7 | 9.2 Minimum number of allocated spaces to be provided | Subsection 9.2(1)&(2): Allocated space number | Conveyances-Accessible taxis | Numbering added for clause consistency, clause reference to AS 1428.2 cleaned up & application table amended to reflect modern drafting principles. | No other effect. | No rule applies. |
8 | 9.3 Minimum head room Heading Change: 9.3 Minimum head room for accessible taxis | Subsection 9.3(1)-(3): Clause heading | Conveyances-Accessible taxis | Heading amended. | Heading amended to clarify clause intent. No other effect. | N/A - administrative amendment only. |
9 | 9.3 Minimum head room | Subsection 9.3(3): Taxi head room | Conveyances-Accessible taxis | Application table repealed and substituted into subsection 3. | No other effect. | N/A - administrative amendment only. |
10 | 9.4 Number of allocated spaces to be provided — buses | Subsection 9.4(4): Application table | Conveyances-buses* *Except dedicated school buses | Application table repealed and substituted into subsection 4. | No other effect. | N/A - administrative amendment only. |
11 | 9.5 Number of allocated spaces to be provided — ferries | Subsection 9.5(3): Application table | Conveyances-ferries | Application table repealed and substituted into subsection 9.5(3). | No other effect. | N/A - administrative amendment only. |
12 | 9.6 Number of allocated spaces to be provided — train cars, etc Heading Change: 9.6 Number of allocated spaces to be provided – rail, tram and light rail cars | Subsection 9.6(1)-(3): Clause heading | Conveyances-rail cars, tram cars. Light rail cars | Heading amended. | Heading amended to reflect modern drafting practices. No other effect. | N/A - administrative amendment only. |
13 | 9.6 Number of allocated spaces to be provided — train cars, etc | Subsection 9.6(4): Application table | Conveyances-rail cars, tram cars, light rail cars | Application table repealed and substituted into subsection 4 | No other effect. | N/A - administrative amendment only. |
14 | 9.7 Consolidation of allocated spaces | Subsection 9.7(1): Allocated spaces consolidation | Conveyances-buses*, ferries, trains, trams, light rail *Except dedicated school buses | Numbering added for clause consistency to subsection 9.7(1). | No other effect. | N/A - administrative amendment only. |
15 | 9.7 Consolidation of allocated spaces | Subsection 9.7(2): Retention of accessible features where spaces are consolidated | Conveyances-buses*, ferries, trains, trams, light rail *Except dedicated school buses | New section added. | Requires access paths and manoeuvring areas at consolidated allocated spaces to be uncompromised to accommodate people with mobility aids. | Applies to new conveyances. |
16 | 9.7 Consolidation of allocated spaces | Subsection 9.7(3): Application table | Conveyances-buses*, ferries, trains, trams, light rail *Except dedicated school buses | Application table repealed and substituted into subsection 9.7(3). | No other effect. | N/A - administrative amendment only. |
17 | 9.8 Allocated spaces in aircraft and coaches | Subsection 9.8(1): Allocated spaces & fixed seating | Conveyances-aircraft & coaches | Numbering added for clause consistency to subsection 1. | No other effect. | N/A - administrative amendment only. |
18 | 9.8 Allocated spaces in aircraft and coaches | Subsection 9.8(2): Application table | Conveyances-aircraft & coaches | Application table amended at subsection 9.8(2) to reflect modern drafting practice. | No other effect. | N/A - administrative amendment only. |
19 | 9.9 Use of allocated space for other purposes | Subsection 9.9(1): Allocated space use | Conveyances-buses*, ferries, accessible taxis, trains, trams, light rail *Except dedicated school buses | Numbering added for clause consistency to subsection 1. | No other effect. | N/A - administrative amendment only. |
20 | 9.9 Use of allocated space for other purposes | Subsection 9.9(1): E.g. of allocated space use | Conveyances-buses*, ferries, accessible taxis, trains, trams, light rail *Except dedicated school buses | Note added for clarity. | Note provides an example of the clause intent for making use of allocated spaces for other purposes where they are not in use by passengers with mobility aids, e.g. fold down seats being permitted to be used within the spaces and used by other passengers. | No rule applies. |
21 | 9.9 Use of allocated space for other purposes | Subsection 9.9(2): Application table | Conveyances-buses*, ferries, accessible taxis, trains, trams, light rail *Except dedicated school buses | Application table repealed and substituted into subsection 9.9(2). | No other effect. | N/A - administrative amendment only. |
22 | 9.10 International symbol of accessibility to be displayed | Subsection 9.10(2): Wheelchair symbol colours | Conveyances-buses, trains, trams, light rail | Subsection 9.10(2) repealed. | Removes subsection relating to colour requirements for the international symbol for access to avoid duplication from section 16.1. | No rule applies. |
23 | 9.10 International symbol of accessibility to be displayed | Subsection 9.10(2): Application table | Conveyances-buses, trains, trams, light rail | Application table repealed and substituted into subsection 9.2(2). | No other effect. | N/A - administrative amendment only. |
24 | 9.11 Movement of mobility aid in allocated space | Subsection 9.11(1): Mobility aid containment | Conveyances-buses*, trams, light rail Except dedicated school buses | Numbering added for clause consistency to subsection 1. | No other effect. | N/A - administrative amendment only. |
25 | 9.11 Movement of mobility aid in allocated space | Subsection 9.11(2): Application table | Conveyances-buses*, trams, light rail Except dedicated school buses | Application table repealed and substituted into subsection 9.11(2). | No other effect. | N/A - administrative amendment only. |
Amdt No. | DSAPT Reference | Subsection/ Description | Applies to: | DSAPT Amendment 2026 | Summary of Changes | Part 35: Application Rule |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
DSAPT Part 10 Surfaces | ||||||
Schedule 10 – Part 10 (Surfaces) Amendments | ||||||
1 | 10.1 Compliance with Australian Standard Heading Change: 10.1 Compliance with Australian Standards for conveyance surfaces’ | Subsection 10.1(1)&(2): Ground & floor surfaces | Conveyances-buses*, coaches, ferries, trains, trams, light rail *Except dedicated school buses | Section repealed and substituted. | New clause added that references AS 1428.1 (2021) in lieu of the older AS 1428.2 provisions for ground and floor surfaces – similar requirements remain. AS 4663 & SA HB 198 added to the list of slip resistant references under Note 1. | No rule applies. |
10.2 Slip resistance for premises and infrastructure | Subsection 10.2(1)&(2): Slip resistance | Premises* & infrastructure *Except premises covered by the Premises Standards | New section added. | Adds provisions that allows consideration of conditions when applying slip ratings to flooring and references the new AS 1428.1 (2021). | Applies to:
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10.3 Slip resistance for buses and coaches | Subsection 10.3(1)&(2): Slip resistance | Conveyances-buses*, coaches *Except dedicated school buses | New section added. | Introduces slip resistance requirements under Australian Design Rule 58. | No rule applies. | |
10.4 Luminance contrasting floor and wall surfaces in premises and infrastructure | Subsection 10.4(1)-(3): contrasts between surfaces & objects | Premises* & infrastructure *Except premises covered by the Premises Standards | New section added. | Introduces contrasting between walls and floors including columns and furniture/fixtures along paths for wayfinding purposes. Testing to the new AS 1428.1 (2021) added to the clause. | Applies to:
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Amdt No. | DSAPT Reference | Subsection/ Description | Applies to: | DSAPT Amendment 2026 | Summary of Changes | Part 35: Application Rule |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
DSAPT Part 11 Handrails & Grabrails | ||||||
Schedule 11 – Part 11 (Handrails and grabrails) Amendments | ||||||
1 | 11.1 Compliance with Australian Standard — premises and infrastructure Heading Change: 11.1 General requirements—premises and infrastructure | Subsection 11.1(1)-(4): handrail features | Premises* & infrastructure *Except premises covered by the Premises Standards | Section repealed and substituted. | New section references the new AS 1428.1 (2021) for handrails in lieu of the older referenced AS 1428.2 and AS 1428.1 (2001). No major changes to the application other than some minor tolerances for handrail diameter and handrail height across landings. Adds luminance contrasts for handrails as mandatory and retains domed buttons. | Applies to handrails installed on/after the commencement day. |
2 | 11.2 Handrails to be provided on access paths Heading Change: 11.2 Handrails to be provided on access paths—premises and infrastructure’ | Subsection 11.2(1)-6): | Premises* & infrastructure *Except premises covered by the Premises Standards | Section repealed and substituted. | New section that retains the previous provisions and adds continuous handrail requirements to overbridges and subways with locations identified for permitted handrail interruptions. | Applies to new premises & infrastructure. |
3 | 11.3 Handrails on steps Heading Change: 11.3 Handrails on steps and stairs—conveyances | Subsection 11.3(1)-6): Handrail locations | Conveyances-ferries, dedicated school buses & small aircraft | Section 11.3 repealed and substituted. | New section that: References new AS 1428.1 (2021) for handrail provisions. Prohibits handrail extensions from compromising access paths and retains domed buttons on conveyances. Clarifies that a single step in a bus does not require a handrail. Includes luminance contrast for handrails against surrounding surfaces. Ferries listed in the application table as being excluded from the clause to avoid duplication from section 11.4B. | Applies to:
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4 | 11.4 Handrails above access paths Heading Change: 11.4 Handrails above access paths—conveyances | Subsection 11.4(1)&(2): Handrail features | Conveyances* *Except dedicated school buses | Section repealed and substituted. | New section added that references the new AS 1428.1 (2021) in lieu of the older referenced AS 1428.1 (2001). Similar provisions are retained with minor tolerances from the new standard included. | No rule applies. |
5 | 11.4A Handrails on passenger doors - buses | Subsection 11.4A(1)-(3): Safety for passengers | Conveyances* *Except dedicated school buses | New section added. | New section requires accessible handrails on passenger doors on buses for boarding safety. | Applies to:
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11.4B Handrails on stairs - ferries | Subsection 11.4B(1)-(4): Handrail features | Conveyances-ferries | New section added. | New section requires accessible handrails on stairs on ferries including luminance contrast and domed buttons. | Applies to:
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6 | 11.5 Compliance with Australian Standard Heading Change: 11.5 Grabrails must comply with applicable Australian Standard | Subsection 11.5(1): Heading | Conveyances* Premises* & infrastructure *Except dedicated school buses *Except premises covered by the Premises standards | Section heading repealed and substituted. | Heading amended to clarify the clause intent. No other effect. | N/A - administrative amendment only. |
7 | 11.5 Compliance with Australian Standard | Subsection 11.5(1): Grabrails | Conveyances* Premises* & infrastructure *Except dedicated school buses *Except premises covered by the Premises standards | Numbering added for clause consistency to subsection 1. | No other effect. | N/A - administrative amendment only. |
8 | 11.5 Compliance with Australian Standard | Subsection 11.5(1): Grabrails | Conveyances* Premises* & infrastructure *Except dedicated school buses *Except premises covered by the Premises standards | Clause reference substituted. | The new AS 1428.1 (2021) is now referenced for grabrails in lieu of the older referenced AS 1428.2. | No rule applies. |
9 | 11.5 Compliance with Australian Standard | Subsection 11.5(2): Application table | Conveyances* Premises* & infrastructure *Except dedicated school buses *Except premises covered by the Premises standards | Application table repealed and substituted into subsection 11.5(2). | No other effect. | N/A - administrative amendment only. |
10 | 11.6 Grabrail to be provided where fares are to be paid | Subsection 11.6(1): Grabrail locations | Conveyances*, premises & infrastructure *Except dedicated school buses | Numbering added for clause consistency to subsection 1. | No other effect. | N/A - administrative amendment only. |
11 | 11.6 Grabrail to be provided where fares are to be paid | Subsection 11.6(2): Application table | Conveyances*, premises & infrastructure *Except dedicated school buses | Application table repealed and substituted into subsection 11.6(2). | No other effect. | N/A - administrative amendment only. |
12 | 11.7 Grabrails to be provided in allocated spaces Heading Change: 11.7 Grabrails to be provided in allocated spaces-conveyances | Subsection 11.7(1)-(4): Grabrail features | Conveyances-buses*, coaches, ferries, trains, trams, light rail *Except dedicated school buses | Section repealed and substituted. | The new AS 1428.1 (2021) is now referenced for grabrails in lieu of the older referenced AS 1428.2. Existing provisions retained and luminance contrast added for identification purposes. | Applies to:
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13 | 11.8 Grabrails on access paths | Subsection 11.8(1)-(4): Grabrail support | Conveyances-buses, coaches, ferries, trains, trams, light rail | New section added. | New grabrail requirements included along access where passengers need assistance to board/alight a conveyance and/or during transit. | Applies to:
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Amdt No. | DSAPT Reference | Subsection/ Description | Applies to: | DSAPT Amendment 2026 | Summary of Changes | Part 35: Application Rule |
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DSAPT Part 12 Doorways and doors | ||||||
Schedule 12 -Part 12 (Doorways and doors) Amendments | ||||||
1 | 12.1 Doors on access paths | Subsection 12.1(3): Application table | Conveyances* *Except dedicated school buses and small aircraft | Application table repealed and substituted into subsection 12.1(3). | No other effect. | N/A - administrative amendment only. |
2 | 12.2 Compliance with Australian Standard — premises and infrastructure Heading Change: 12.2 Doorways and doors must comply with applicable Australian Standards—premises and infrastructure | Subsection 12.2: Heading | Premises* & infrastructure *Except premises covered by the Premises Standards | Heading repealed and substituted. | New heading to clarify clause intent. | Applies to:
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3 | 12.2 Compliance with Australian Standard — premises and infrastructure | Subsection 12.2(1): Doors & doorways | Premises* & infrastructure *Except premises covered by the Premises Standards | Numbering added for clause consistency to subsection 12.2(1). | No other effect. | Applies to:
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4 | 12.2 Compliance with Australian Standard — premises and infrastructure | Subsection 12.2(1): Doors & doorways | Premises* & infrastructure *Except premises covered by the Premises Standards | Older referenced standards AS 1428.2 (1992) and AS 1428.1 (2001) repealed and substituted with AS 1428.1 (2009) | Threshold ramps, clear door openings (850mm in lieu of 800mm), circulation spaces at doors & door force are now updated to current standards. Removal of older standards removes elements such as weather protection at entrances, protective door surfaces at entries (from damage by wheelchairs etc) & glazed viewing panel provisions. | Applies to:
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5 | 12.2 Compliance with Australian Standard — premises and infrastructure | Subsection 12.2(2): Application table | Premises* & infrastructure *Except premises covered by the Premises Standards | Application table repealed and substituted into subsection 12.2(2). | No other effect. | N/A - administrative amendment only. |
6 | 12.3 Weight activated doors and sensors | Subsection 12.3(1): Assistance animal detection | Premises & infrastructure | Word amendment. | ‘Service’ animal changed to ‘assistance’ animal to align with DDA wording. | N/A - administrative amendment only. |
7 | 12.3 Weight activated doors and sensors | Subsection 12.3(3): Application table | Premises & infrastructure | Application table repealed and substituted into subsection 12.3(3). | No other effect. | N/A - administrative amendment only. |
8 | 12.4 Clear opening of doorways | Subsection 12.4(1)-(7): Clear openings | Conveyances-buses*, coaches, ferries, trains, trams, light rail *Except dedicated school buses | Section repealed and substituted. | Clause updated to align with current access requirements for conveyance doors. New additions include requirements for any curved sections of doors, luminance contrast & glazing strips. | Applies to:
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9 | 12.5 Vertical height of doorways Heading Change: 12.5 Vertical height of doorways-accessible taxis’ | Subsection 12.5(1)&(2): Heading | Conveyances-accessible taxis | Heading amendment. | Heading amended to clarify clause intent. No other effect. | N/A - administrative amendment only. |
10 | 12.5 Vertical height of doorways | Subsection 12.5(3): Application table | Conveyances-accessible taxis | Application table repealed and substituted into subsection 12.5(3). | No other effect. | N/A - administrative amendment only. |
11 | 12.6 Automatic or power-assisted doors | Subsection 12.6(1): Auto doors | Conveyances*, premises* & infrastructure *Except dedicated school buses, taxis & aircraft & premises covered by the Premises Standards | Section 12.3(1) repealed. | Repealed as it was not intended in this section to impose obligations on duty holders for auto doors to be fully automatic on conveyances. | No rule applies. |
12 | 12.6 Automatic or power-assisted doors | Subsection 12.6(2): Auto door controls | Conveyances*, premises* & infrastructure *Except dedicated school buses, taxis & aircraft & premises covered by the Premises Standards | Section 12.6(2) wording amendment. | Wording added to include a provision that does not require constant pressure to operate auto/power assisted doors to improve access. | No rule applies. |
13 | 12.6 Automatic or power-assisted doors | Subsection 12.6(4): Application table | Conveyances*, premises* & infrastructure *Except dedicated school buses, taxis & aircraft & premises covered by the Premises Standards | Application table repealed and substituted into subsection 12.6(4). | No other effect. | N/A - administrative amendment only. |
14 | 12.7 Unisex accessible toilet doors must be power assisted | Subsection 12.7(1)&(2): Accessible WC doors | Conveyances-trains, premises* & infrastructure *Except premises covered by the Premises Standards | New section added. | New requirement for power assisted doors at accessible toilets in trains, premises (except premises covered by the Premises Standards) & infrastructure to improve access when opening and closing doors for passengers with disability, particularly those with mobility limitations and upper limb impairment. | Applies to:
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