Accessibility Policy
The Accessibility Policy states Victorian Convention and Event Trust’s (VCET) commitment to providing an accessible and inclusive environment for employees, visitors and customers who may be living with disability.
Our policy
Purpose
The Accessibility Policy states Victorian Convention and Event Trust (VCET) commitment to providing an accessible and inclusive environment for employees, visitors and customers who may be living with disability.
The Policy also outlines the responsibilities of VCET in providing a welcoming venue alongside services that promote the human right of people with disability to inclusion and access, while reducing barriers to accessing employment, experiences or facilities.
Application
All employees of VCET are required to comply with this Policy, including Members of the Board of Trustees, all managers and employees, and casual workforce. The policy also applies to labour hire personnel and contractors working with or for VCET.
In reducing barriers and promoting participation for people living with a disability, the Policy informs the fair treatment of current and prospective employees, visitors to the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) and event organisers seeking to hold an event at MCEC.
Commitments outlined in this Policy inform VCET’s approach to its Accessibility Action Plan .
Our policy
Purpose
The Accessibility Policy states Victorian Convention and Event Trust (VCET) commitment to providing an accessible and inclusive environment for employees, visitors and customers who may be living with disability.
The Policy also outlines the responsibilities of VCET in providing a welcoming venue alongside services that promote the human right of people with disability to inclusion and access, while reducing barriers to accessing employment, experiences or facilities.
Application
All employees of VCET are required to comply with this Policy, including Members of the Board of Trustees, all managers and employees, and casual workforce. The policy also applies to labour hire personnel and contractors working with or for VCET.
In reducing barriers and promoting participation for people living with a disability, the Policy informs the fair treatment of current and prospective employees, visitors to the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) and event organisers seeking to hold an event at MCEC.
Commitments outlined in this Policy inform VCET’s approach to its Accessibility Action Plan .
VCET adopts a social model of disability, which recognises that people are disabled by barriers or exclusionary practices ingrained in society, as opposed to individual’s specific impairments. As such, under this Policy, disability is defined as by the barriers experienced by people living with impairments, including physical, mental and intellectual, or other non-visible disabilities.
Additionally, VCET’s approach to accessibility is centred around the customer or employee experience, rather than limited to the legislative requirements. We seek to constantly improve the experience of people who visit and work in our buildings.
Commitment
Under the social model of disability, VCET recognises that barriers experienced by people living with disability include the physical environmental or societal attitudes of institutions such as MCEC. VCET is committed to reducing these barriers, by identifying and implementing improvements to its processes, systems and environment. At a minimum, VCET will meet legislative requirements, but continue to seek opportunities to further advance its inclusion of persons experiencing disability.
At the centre of this approach is a commitment to centre the experience of people with disability, and involve them in our planning, to better inform our decision making.
Legislative framework
VCET’s commitment considers its obligations as outlined by the Disability Act 2006 (Vic) (Victorian Act) and the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (Commonwealth Act).
As a Victorian Government entity, this Policy and VCET’s associated activity specifically relate to the objectives of the Victorian Act, to advance the inclusion and participation in the community of persons with disability.
Further, as a public authority, VCET see accessibility and inclusion as a fundamental human right, and employs this principle when making decisions. Under the Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities 2006 (Vic), everyone is entitled to enjoy their human rights without discrimination.
Discrimination
Under the Commonwealth Act and Victorian Act, it is unlawful for VCET, an employee of VCET or a person acting on behalf of VCET (such as a contractor) to discriminate against a person on the grounds of disability.
Employment
Discrimination in the workforce includes dismissing or determining offers of employment with VCET based on a person’s experience of disability. This may include limiting their opportunity for development, or not making reasonable adjustments to process and working environments to enable a qualified person with disability to conduct their work.
Products and services
Discrimination in the provision of goods and services includes denying access to VCET products or venues based on a person’s experience of disability. This may include not making reasonable adjustments to ensure event participation of people with disability, such as hearing loops or ramp access.
Information outlining the access features services offered within the venue is available on the MCEC website and in selected publications.
Responsibilities
Leadership: VCET’s Trust and leadership team are responsible for setting accessibility priorities, allocating resources, and fostering an accessible culture.
Employees: VCET employees are expected to contribute to accessibility efforts within their roles and report accessibility issues.
Breach of Policy
Any employee found to be in breach of the Accessibility Policy, or related Policies (such as the Discrimination, Harassments or Bullying policy) may be subject to disciplinary action including possible termination of employment.
Accessibility Action Plan
VCET recognises its responsibilities as a public sector entity to create and maintain an Accessibility Action Plan , and report on its progress annually, as outlined under Section 38 of the Act. The purpose of this plan is to:
Reduce barriers to persons with disability accessing goods, services and facilities.
Reduce barriers to persons with disability obtaining and maintaining employment.
Promote inclusion and participation in the community of persons with disability.
Achieve tangible changes in attitudes and practises which discriminate against persons with disability.
VCET will review its Accessibility Action Plan and this Policy at a minimum once per year, ahead of reporting on the progress of the Accessibility Action in the organisation’s Annual Report.
External
Disability Act 2006 (Vic)
Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (Commonwealth)
Internal
Division Name - Commercial
Department - Advocacy, Impact and Reputation
Sponsor - Chief Executive
Approved Date - 09/01/2024