Everyone has an equal right to visit events in the public environment. This could be a Council event, or a paid and ticketed show, such as a theatre production, concert or comedy festival. However, sometimes barriers to good access sometimes restrict everyone from having the same level or access.
Disability discrimination occurs when people are treated less fairly because they have a disability, or because they are relatives, friends, carers, co-workers or associates of a person with a disability. Disability discrimination can be direct (such as saying no assistance animals are allowed) or indirect (by having a step at the entrance to a marquee). This relates directly to the event industry too.
Whilst the Building Code of Australia (BCA) is generally not applicable to events, there are three applicable legislative references to consider when planning an event:
- Events fall under the general umbrella of the DDA, and even though the Premises Standards is only applicable to new or refurbished existing buildings, Section 23 of the DDA requires non-discriminatory access to premises which the public or a section of the public is entitled or allowed to use. “Premises” are defined to include any place whether enclosed or built on or not. This would, therefore, include any building or external area.
- An existing building undergoing a change of use might trigger compliance or a need for a Temporary Occupancy Permit under the State building legislation.
- An outdoor even space could be deemed to be a Place of Public Entertainment (POPE) by the local council and require an Occupancy Permit as a Class 9b building.
Access Central has been involved in many events over the years, including many POPE Occupancy Permits.
From this experience, Access Central has a unique understanding of the dynamic and fast-paced event management industry. We know that once the wheels are in motion they won’t stop under members of the public are moving through the entry gates.
Access Central can assist at all stages of an event, from an initial review of the event management plan or risk management plan, through to a walk-through inspection of the proposed site, review of concept layouts, and assistance in the lead up to the event to ensure that access barriers are identified and removed where possible (or control measures put in place to deal with them).
Please check with your local Council if you are planning an event to determine any necessary Occupancy Permit requirements (including any other permits such as road closures, health or the like).