Rachel Siewert (WA, Australian Greens) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

asked the Minister representing the Minister for Health and Ageing, upon notice, on 8 September 2011:

With reference to chapter 6 of the report by the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs, Access all areas: Report of the inquiry into draft Disability (Access to Premises–Buildings) Standards, dated June 2009, and in particular to paragraphs 6.43 to 6.49 on Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS), can an update be provided on any work that has been undertaken with respect to this and any other details of work undertaken by the department to improve building access for people with MCS, including work undertaken to improve access to buildings that house medical service providers.

Joe Ludwig (Queensland, Australian Labor Party, Manager of Government Business in the Senate) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The Minister for Health and Ageing has provided the following answer to the honourable senator's question:

The Health and Ageing portfolio is not responsible for building design matters that might relate to Multiple Chemical Sensitivity and is not equipped to undertake work on such matters. Building design and other options to reduce potential chemical sensitivity reactions would appropriately be considered by building control authorities, and entities that own, lease, operate or manage premises. In the case of hospitals or other medical services, the Department is aware that some public and private providers are moving to develop protocols to provide an environment that reduces exposure to irritants.