Tuesday, 3 October 2023

Northern Victoria Region

Gaelle BROAD (Northern Victoria) (13:03): (421) My question is for the Minister for Public and Active Transport. What improvements are being done to ensure that people with vision impairments can safely access and use public transport? I recently met a group of people with various sight impairments at the Vision Australia offices in Bendigo. One of their key concerns was how to access public transport, especially the Bendigo buses. They told me it is very difficult to get on the bus because the steps are so high. The steps pose a problem not just for the commuters but also for their guide dogs. Many people with sight loss are unable to drive and rely heavily on public transport to go about their daily lives. I ask the minister to please provide information on the government’s plans to ensure safe access to public transport for all Victorians.