Are you operating a business in Perth? Then you will understand that creating something that can be accessed on your premises is not just the right thing to do — it is also the law.

But here’s the tricky part. The compliance burden can be so overwhelming that many business owners believe they know what’s required, only to find themselves in a scramble when they are slapped with compliance issues.

The reality is, when it comes to disability access requirements in Western Australia, it’s about more than just popping a ramp at the front of your premises. And if you’re running a multistory commercial property, those needs become significantly more complex.

What the Disability Discrimination Act Really Means for Perth Businesses

Businesses should always aim to provide ‘access for all’. The Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (DDA) imposes this duty on all businesses. Sounds straightforward? Think again.

This requirement, applicable to multi-storey businesses in Perth, mandates the convenient management of wheelchairs, walking aids, and other mobility impairments across all levels. You cannot tell customers or disabled employees they have to “make do” with ground floor access.

Here’s the catch: the DDA applies equally to buildings in existence as of the date of the statute as to new construction. Are you aware of the office building you’ve been leasing for years? If you can’t identify it, you may encounter major compliance problems.

The good news? Modern disability platform lifts have made it possible to add many of these features without significantly altering the building’s structure.

Perth’s Push for Accessibility: Council Initiatives You Need to Know About

Perth has made great strides recently. Their Access and Inclusion Plan 2020-2025 has some pretty lofty goals. Accessibility audits are now underway among local councils across the metro area, and they’re unearthing gaps everywhere.

Perth councils last year handed out more than 200 orders to provide disabled access to commercial premises. The pattern is clear: they’re not just going after new developments anymore.

What does it all mean for your business? Alright, you get the point — unless, of course, you haven’t had an accessibility audit recently. Councils are systematically sweeping through commercial districts, and catching them off guard is not a pleasant experience.

The Real Cost of Non-Compliance (It’s More Than You Think)

In 2023, a Perth restaurant was ordered to pay $45,000 in damages after a customer in a wheelchair was unable to access their upstairs dining area. A platform lift would have cost less than $30,000.

But it’s not just a matter of lawsuits. The combined spending power of Australia’s 4.4 million-strong population of people with disabilities exceeds a staggering $13 billion per annum. That’s a whole market segment, so many Perth businesses unwittingly leave out.

The point is: a shopping centre in Fremantle experienced 23% more foot traffic when they installed access lifts. Accessible venues not only attract people with disabilities but also their families and friends.

Real Perth Case Studies: When Accessibility Improvements Paid Off

While statistics are reliable, they may not always provide a complete picture. What truly encourages business owners to invest in accessibility improvements? Real results from real Perth properties. Here are two examples that show exactly how lift installations transformed businesses – and their bottom lines.

Case Study 1: The Subiaco Office Complex

A six-storey office building in Subiaco was losing tenants due to accessibility issues. Solution: a modern Koyo elevator system for $85,000. Result: full occupancy within three months and 15% higher rental rates.

This case illustrates exactly why the Australian Human Rights Commission argues that building owners need to understand their DDA obligations.

Case Study 2: The Northbridge Restaurant

A popular restaurant was losing function bookings because customers couldn’t access the upstairs room. A LiftingItalia platform lift cost $28,000 and required no pit or major structural changes. Within six months, function bookings increased by 40%.

These examples show why the City of Perth’s Disability Access and Inclusion Plan emphasises business benefits along with compliance.

What Perth Business Owners Actually Need to Know About Lift Requirements

This is a point of confusion for many. Opinions Do not assume that renovating a second-floor fit-out requires the installation of a full passenger lift. The needs vary depending on:

Height of building and usage: If your business is in a building taller than two storeys, or if essential services are required to access upper levels, it is likely that you will need mechanical access solutions.
Existing vs. new builds: Commercial builds that are new must be built to comply with current accessibility requirements from day one. Buildings already up must make “reasonable accommodations” and that bar is always rising.
Employee duties: Please remember your employees. All organisations will need to check, he says, that they have a “reasonable workplace adjustment” if they employ anyone with a disability or even if they are considering hiring one. That frequently entails lift access to all working areas.

What is the most important lesson to learn? Get professional advice early. Inevitably, what appears to be a simple request is one that squeezes grey areas where only seasoned accessibility consultants can navigate.

Modern platform lift systems, like those from LiftingItalia that we supply throughout Perth, require:

No lift pit
No extended shaft tops
No separate machine room
Minimal building modifications

These systems can be installed in heritage buildings, tight spaces, and even outdoor areas. They’re also significantly more cost-effective than traditional passenger lifts.

For larger commercial properties, contemporary traction lifts from manufacturers like Koyo offer:

Quiet operation with minimal vibration
High energy efficiency
Precise floor-to-floor alignment
Readily available spare parts

The installation process is also much less disruptive than it used to be. We recently installed a commercial lift system in a functioning Perth office building over a weekend. Monday morning, business continued as usual.

Breaking Down the Real Investment Numbers

Let’s get specific about costs because that’s usually the first question.

Platform lifts for basic accessibility: $25,000-$45,000, depending on travel height and specifications. This covers most two- to three-storey requirements.
Commercial passenger lifts: $60,000 – $120,000 for up to six floors. Variables include building requirements, finish specifications, and any structural modifications needed.
Ongoing costs: Modern lifts are surprisingly economical to run. Energy consumption is typically less than a household air conditioner, and maintenance expenses average $2,000-3,000 annually.

But here’s the thing about return on investment. We’ve tracked several Perth installations, and the average payback period for accessibility improvements is 18-24 months through:

Increased customer accessibility
Higher property values
Improved staff retention
Reduced insurance premiums
Avoidance of compliance penalties

The Perth Advantage: Why Local Expertise Matters

Building restrictions in Perth are different, and local knowledge is key. We have a unique climate, specific soil types, and established practice protocols that create many uncertainties for interstate companies, leading them to become overconfident.

Special applications are required when heritage overlays are in the suburbs, such as Fremantle and Subiaco. (According to the most recent building codes, new construction is now required to meet certain accessibility requirements.) And the limestone-heavy construction of Perth can complicate traditional lift installations.

Dealing with local suppliers guarantees high-quality products specifically tailored for Perth conditions. We know which councils require what approval, what local properties have special requirements, and how to get through the red tape in record time and hassle-free!

Planning Your Accessibility Upgrade: Where to Start

You’re now ready to take some steps for accessibility. Smart choice. But where do you really start? That process can be overwhelming, especially while you’re keeping the compliance amateur from butting headfirst into budgets and business.

Here is a comprehensive guide that you won’t have to second-guess for the rest of your life.

Step 1: Obtain an accessibility assessment from a professional. Don’t attempt to work out DDA requirements on your own – the laws are complicated and subject to change.

Step 2: Understand your timeline. Council approval may take 6 to 12 weeks, and the installation schedule is subject to manufacture and delivery terms.

Step 3: Take stock of your complete accessibility picture. Access is only a part of an accessible environment. Consideration needs to be given to door widths, bathrooms, parking and signage.

Step 4: Plan for the future. Putting in a lift system that is not upgradable or expandable may save money at first but will cost a lot more in the long run.

Making the Business Case Internally

And if you’re not the decider, here’s how to make a strong case:

Transference of risk: highlight the legal risk and the increasing number of complaints concerning accessibility issues due to non-compliance.
Market opportunity: Illustrate the size of the disability market and what that implies for accessibility.
Property values: In the commercial property market in Perth, accessible buildings can command higher rental rates and sale prices.
Built to last: Only more stringent accessibility requirements in the future. Putting it in now is not dodging even more random, more expensive fixes down the road.

And, you know, frame it as an investment in business, not just compliance and the cost. People respond better to opportunity, those in control in particular, than they do to obligation.

The Bottom Line for Perth Businesses

Accessibility compliance isn’t going away. If anything, the mandates are becoming more expansive, and the crackdowns are getting tougher. Businesses that are ahead of this trend will not only stay out of trouble with regulators—they’ll be ahead of their competition.

Contemporary improvements in lift technology have made accessibility upgrades more practical than ever. Platform lifts can be fitted where it isn’t possible to have a traditional one. Commercial lifts now have reliability and built-in convenience that were not found in previous systems.

The real issue is not whether you can afford to make your Perth business accessible. It’s whether you can afford not to.

If you’d like to begin investigating lift options for your commercial property or would like some guidance regarding Perth’s accessibility rules, we are here to assist. With more than 20 years in the market and relationships with world-class manufacturers like LiftingItalia, Koyo, Tresa, etc., we can design the answers that suit you and not only your pocket.

Call us for a free consultation now. Why? Because in the competitive business world of Perth, accessibility isn’t merely a mandatory requirement; it’s just good business!