Wednesday, 2 April 2025

Ministers statements: Changing Places

Lizzie BLANDTHORN (Western Metropolitan – Minister for Children, Minister for Disability) (12:07): I rise to update the house on how the Allan Labor government is supporting all Victorians to participate in activities across the state through our investment in Changing Places facilities. Changing Places are larger than standard accessible toilets which have extra features such as a tracking hoist and space for two or more carers. We are delivering these facilities right across the state. Just last week I was pleased to open our latest facility located at Barring-buluk Park with the member for Pakenham from the other place, Cardinia shire mayor Cr Jack Kowarzik and members of the Cardinia Access and Inclusion Advisory Committee.

These specially designed facilities allow individuals with high support needs to take part in all elements of community life without having to limit their time out due to concerns about being able to access a suitable toilet. Here in Victoria we are leading the charge in making Australia a more accessible place for people with disability, with 150 out of the 300 Changing Places nationally located here in Victoria. We are proud of the fact that the Victorian government has provided $11.4 million towards Changing Places since 2015 to build these facilities right across the state, and this included $180,000 for the Pakenham Changing Places.

Inclusive Victoria, our state’s disability plan, is helping us build a safer, fairer and more accessible Victoria. The actions in Inclusive Victoria describe the activities all Victorian government departments are doing to build a fairer community for everyone. A key commitment in Inclusive Victoria is to create more inclusive parks so that all Victorians can take part in nature and community life, and facilities like the new Pakenham Changing Places will help us to achieve this goal. We are proud to lead the nation through our continued commitment to the Changing Places initiative, alongside our work in Inclusive Victoria, to make Victoria accessible for everyone. I would encourage those who want to know more about Changing Places and where they are to visit the website changingplaces.org.au.