The Andrews Labor Government has created a new Chief Accessibility Advocate role to provide advice and help improve accessibility across the Victorian transport network.
Tricia Malowney OAM has been appointed in the new role, which will support the Labor Government’s coordinated, whole of transport approach to accessibility – delivering better outcomes for all Victorians living with a disability no matter how they choose to travel.
Accessible infrastructure is being built into Victoria’s unprecedented $80 billion investment in transport infrastructure projects, which will provide better, more connected and more accessible services for Victorians – but there is more work to be done. Melbourne is home to the world’s largest tram network and accessibility improvements will be built into the design of our Next Generation Trams as well as future train and bus orders.
The Labor Government has already built or upgraded 36 train stations over the past seven years, improving accessibility for the thousands of Victorians that use these stations every day.
Ms Malowney brings valuable experience to the role as a member on a number of boards including the Disability Leadership Institute, NDIS Independent Advisory Council, Fire Rescue Victoria Strategic Advisory Committee, Melba Services and the Urgent Action Fund for Women Asia Pacific. She is an inductee of the Victorian Honour Roll of Woman and was awarded the Medal in the order of Australia in 2017 for her advocacy work for women with disabilities.
In addition, Liz Ellis has been appointed to the role of chair of the Accessible Transport Advisory Committee, with two new committee members, Melissa Hale and Martin Stewart, as well as the reappointment of Mark Tomkins.
The Committee provides strategic advice to the Government and supports the delivery of the Accessible Public Transport in Victoria Action Plan 2020-2024.
Ms Malowney will occupy the Chief Accessibility Advocate role for three years.
As stated by Minister for Public Transport Minister Ben Carroll
“I’d like to congratulate Tricia Malowney on her new role, and I look forward to working together to deliver a public transport system for all Victorians.”
“We know there is more work that needs to be done, which is why we continue to work with operators, community groups and locals to help drive solutions and identify how we can make our transport network better for everyone.”
As stated by Chief Accessibility Advocate Tricia Malowney
“I commend the Minister, the Secretary and the Department of Transport for taking this innovative decision to appoint a member of the disability community to advocate for transport accessibility solutions, which will improve the lives of all Victorians.”
“Accessible transport is essential to the social and economic inclusion of people with disabilities whether we live in the city or in the outer suburbs or in rural communities.”
“Knowing that work is being undertaken to make our end-to-end journey seamless will relieve the concerns of many.”
