Australian Human Rights Commission Submission to the Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities – 25 July 2019 including gaps relating to: (i) accessibility of information and methods communications, (ii) air travel, (iii) emerging forms of transport services, including ride sharing services, (iv) emerging technology and digital accessibility, and (v) commercial premises, public spaces and amenities.44 51. The Commission is leading a project on human rights and technology, including the rights of people with disability to technology.45 Preliminary work suggests that people with disability encounter increased barriers in accessing technology, especially assistive technology, compared with those who do not have a disability. The Commission will consider how the Australian Government should promote accessible and innovative technology to ensure inclusion.46 A Discussion Paper is currently being prepared, with a Final Report to be published in the first half of 2020. Recommendation 22: The Australian Government undertake a gap analysis of Australia’s laws and policies to identify measures needed to ensure accessibility for people with disability, on an equal basis with others. In particular, gaps relating to: (i) accessibility of information and methods of communication, (ii) air travel, (iii) emerging forms of transport services, including ride sharing services, (iv) emerging technology and digital accessibility, and (v) commercial premises, public spaces and amenities. (c) Accessible Housing (LOI 11) 52. The Commission remains concerned that the 2020 targets for universal housing design will not be met. The use of voluntary measures to increase the supply of accessible private housing have been ineffective. 53. A regulatory intervention is needed to introduce a mandatory minimum standard of accessibility for all private dwellings in Australia. An amendment of the National Construction Code (NCC) is the most viable way to introduce this standard. 54. The Australian Building Codes Board (ACBC) is undertaking a Regulatory Impact Assessment of options to introduce a minimum accessibility standard for housing in the NCC. The Commission has recommended that the ACBC be guided by Australia’s commitments under the CRPD in considering the minimum standard of accessibility for housing.47 Ongoing consultations should also be held with people with disability and their representative organisations. Recommendation 23: The Australian Government introduce a mandatory minimum standard of accessibility in the National Construction Code for all private dwellings in Australia. 16