ABSTRACT
This chapter introduces readers to the history of the enactment of the Australian Disability Discrimination Act (DDA), the culture in which it was placed and the impact the DDA has had on the Australian tertiary education sector. The Australian "fair go" culture is based on the reliance and assumption that society will look after our well being and that everyone will get an even slice of the cake. The responsibility for the administration of the DDA lies with the Australian Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission (HREOC). HREOC is undergoing some major changes as a result of the announcements made in the Commonwealth government's May 1997 budget. Provision within the DDA allows service providers, which includes tertiary institutions, to submit to HREOC, an Action Plan - a strategic, proactive document that promotes equity for people with disabilities.
