Media release — 24 October 2008

GOLD COAST THEME PARK AND DISABILITY DISCRIMINATION
Businesses are reminded – Two good reasons not to discriminate against people with disabilities

Queensland Anti-Discrimination Commissioner Susan Booth was responding to the Courier Mail report of 24 October 2008, that amputee Steve Simmonds had been banned from riding a Gold Coast theme park’s water slide.

The Anti-Discrimination Commissioner today reminded Queensland businesses, "With one in five Queenslanders having some type of disability and an ageing population, there are now two good reasons not to discriminate against people with disabilities."

Ms Booth said, "The first is it is against the law. Anti-discrimination laws ensure that businesses must strive to remove barriers to physical access."

She also said, "The second is that it is good for business, especially in these times. Businesses cannot afford to turn away paying customers."

Ms Booth added, "It is very disappointing to me that such a large proportion of Queenslanders can be excluded in this way. It is hard to understand in such a competitive market too, why companies wouldn’t be doing everything to encourage us to visit their theme parks."

"The Anti-Discrimination Act 1991 prohibits discrimination on the basis of impairment. It does allow safety considerations but these can often be accommodated without discrimination," she said.

For further comment contact Ms Susan Booth
telephone: 07) 3247 0901 or TTY 1300 130 680

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