This is Auslan translation for The Commonwealth Accessible Australia Initative.
Increasing inclusion in Australian communities
The Australian Government is investing $17.1 million from 2024-25 to 2027-28 to increase inclusion in community spaces across Australia through the Commonwealth Accessible Australia initiative.
The Australian Government will provide up to 100 per cent of funding for eligible accessible infrastructure and amenities that improve access to built and natural environments for people living with disability.
Accessible Australia builds on the current Changing Places initiative announced in October 2022.
What is the Commonwealth Accessible Australia Initiative?
Accessible Australia is an Australian Government initiative designed to improve access to community spaces for Australians living with disability.
This will be achieved by increasing accessible infrastructure and amenities across Australia.
The Australian Government will be offering:
Up to 100 per cent of the total build cost for:
- Inclusive beaches
- Inclusive national parks
- Portable Changing Places facilities
Up to 50 per cent of the total build cost for:
- Inclusive play spaces
- Fixed Changing Places facilities
Accessible Australia also includes support for states and territories to deliver funded projects through a Project Coordination Fund and a Navigation, Access and Information Management Fund.
The Project Coordination Fund
As part of Accessible Australia, the Australian Government has announced the introduction of the Project Coordination Fund.
The Project Coordination Fund will offer a one-off payment to eligible states and territories that take up the funding offer for Accessible Australia projects.
Funding from the Project Coordination Fund can be used to supplement resourcing required to facilitate development and implementation of Accessible Australia projects.
The Navigation, Access and Information Management Fund
Readily available information regarding navigation of and access to accessible infrastructure is key to building inclusive communities.
To support this, the Australian Government has introduced the Navigation, Access and Information Management Fund as part of Accessible Australia.
The Navigation, Access and Information Management Fund allocates a portion of funding each financial year across the four years of delivery (2024-25 to 2027-28) to establish online resources to help people find and access amenities built through Accessible Australia.
What accessible amenities are eligible for funding?
Changing Places
Fixed and portable Changing Places remain eligible for funding Accessible Australia.
Changing Places are facilities for people with high support needs who are not adequately supported by standard accessible toilets.
Changing Places are larger than standard accessible toilets and have extra features to meet the needs of people with disability and their carers.
Changing Places facilities must meet the Changing Places Design Specifications 2020 and be accredited by a Changing Places assessor.
Inclusive Beaches
Inclusive beach infrastructure may include:
Beach wheelchairs: wheelchairs designed to access sand, mud, gravel and uneven terrain.
Floating wheelchairs: wheelchairs that allow the user to be partially submerged in water, allowing the sensation of floating
Mobi-matting: a roll-out access mat designed to provide a stable surface for people who use wheelchairs or have reduced mobility.
Inclusive National Parks
Inclusive national park infrastructure may include:
All-terrain wheelchairs: All-terrain wheelchairs allow visitors to access more rugged walking trails that are not otherwise accessible with conventional wheelchairs.
They often have adjustable seating and supports, making them suitable for adults and children with varying abilities.
Accessible paths: accessible paths are level, sealed or compacted gravel paths that provide improved wheelchair accessibility.
Inclusive Play Spaces
Inclusive play spaces may include: Inclusive play equipment such as, liberty swings, sensory play platforms and all-access spinners.
Inclusive play equipment is accessible to individuals regardless of age or ability.
Inclusive equipment for people with physical and psychosocial disability, including visual communication toys for non-verbal children or those with communication delays.
How will the Commonwealth Accessible Australia initiative be implemented?
Accessible Australia will be implemented over four years from 2024-25 to 2027-2028.
This initiative will be delivered by the Commonwealth Department of Social Services through Federation Funding Agreements between the Commonwealth and state and territory governments.
Further information and indicative dates will follow.
Further Information and Contact
You can visit the Department of Social Services' website for more information and frequently asked questions about the Commonwealth Accessible Australia Initiative.
(note that as of July 2025 - this function has now moved to the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing).
You can also contact the department directly via email.
The Commonwealth Accessible Australia initiative (Accessible Australia) provides funding to make it easier for people with disability to access their communities.