The
Federal Court will deliver its judgment today in a discrimination claim that
has significant implications for public transport operators and people with
disability across Australia.
Wheelchair
user Julia Haraksin (pictured, centre) tried to book a ticket with bus company Murrays Australia for
a trip from Sydney to Canberra in 2009.
The
company refused Ms Haraksin’s booking, saying it didn’t have any wheelchair
accessible buses.
Ms
Haraksin sued, alleging direct and indirect discrimination.
The
Public Interest Advocacy Centre (PIAC) is representing Ms Haraksin.
Ms
Haraksin and PIAC claim Murrays Australia breached national Disability
Standards, which require public transport operators to have at least 25% of
their fleet wheelchair accessible by 2007.
Ms
Haraksin and PIAC will deliver a statement outside the court after today’s decision
is handed down.
Location: Law
Courts Building, Level 17, 184 Phillip Street, Sydney.
Time: 4.15pm, Thursday 14 March 2013.
Media Contact: PIAC Senior Media and Communications Adviser, Dominic O’Grady: 0478 739
280