On 2 August, MPs debated the Government’s 'Accessibility for New Zealanders Bill'. The Bill passed the First Reading stage and was referred to the Social Services and Community Select Committee. A group of nine MPs on the Select Committee will examine the Bill in more detail and hear submissions from the public. Submissions are open now and close on 7 November 2022.

YOUR VOICE is important to the nine MPs on the Select Committee considering the 'Accessibility for New Zealanders Bill'. They want to hear what you think about the Bill.

We deserve better

Access Matters Aotearoa doesn’t believe the Government Bill will remove barriers, so that that every New Zealander has the opportunity to learn, to get a job, and to take part in community and social life.

Many disabled peoples' groups don't believe this legislation will deliver real progress or improvements, because the Government Bill:

• has no means of enforcement
• only applies to central government, and is NOT applicable to the private sector
• has no standards
• has no regulator
• has no dispute-resolution process
• has no obligations or timeframe
• only creates a new advisory committee - which does not require an Act of Parliament - and will only perpetuate the slow and fragmented system currently in place
• relies on the values, priorities and decisions of future Ministers.

Have your say - it only takes 5 minutes

You can help make real change in Aotearoa New Zealand. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to get this legislation right. Have your say! It only takes five minutes to complete the submission form below.

Want to know more?

Read the Government's proposed 'Accessibility for New Zealanders Bill' with alternative formats also available.

Read Access Matters Aotearoa's Example Bill. This Example Bill imagines what it might look like if the 13 Principles were turned into a new law, to fast-track accessibility. You can refer to this Example Bill in your submission if you wish.

Check out Auckland Disability Law's initial response to the Government Bill.

Also see our Submission Guide for more information about making a Select Committee submission, plus ideas and themes you may wish to include in your submission.

If you are making a submission on behalf of an organisation, see our Select Committee Submission for Organisations webpage and template letter for assistance.

Write your submission below

If you would like assistance completing the Select Committee Submission form please contact Taryn Banks on [email protected] or 022 016 2571. We're here to help! NZSL video and captioned calls are available.