- A letter arrived recently from Harry M. (Blaxland NSW)
who would like to make known to all wheelies, particularly those
in Australia, of the MLAK (Master Locksmith Access Key) system
where people with disabilities can gain access (usually from
their local council) to a special key which, for a fee, enables
the bearer to use their local disabled toilets at any time of
the day or night.
- Harry writes "I feel a mention on your website could be a good starting point to increase the awareness of the MLAK system and hopefully encourage more councils (eventually all of them) to install the system.
- "The main points are:
- Harry writes "I feel a mention on your website could be a good starting point to increase the awareness of the MLAK system and hopefully encourage more councils (eventually all of them) to install the system.
1. The toilets will be cleaner
2. It will eliminate non-disabled use... which, in some areas is quite high
3. It would virtually eliminate vandalism
4. In the long term all localities could be listed on the internet and updated on a regular basis.
- "The fact that this system works so well in overseas
countries, particularly Great Britain, should be emphasised.
- "My major concern is the lack of interest shown by some councils, particularly my local ones... the Blue Mountains City Council and Penrith City Council. The other problem of course is that it could become like disabled parking where the authority is handed out to every Tom, Dick and Harry. I know of one case where a young lass gained one for no better reason than she was overweight!
- "Another point to be considered is that a note from your doctor should be compulsory. I have been told that, at present, this is not the case as local councils have the authority to make the decision on who was sufficiently 'disabled' to purchase a key... what rubbish!"
- Our thanks goes to Harry for his letter. So go to it, fellow wheelies, check whether your council makes a key available for your disabled toilet and - if not, why not? Let me know your opinion by email. We will publish all comments on this page (with your permission, of course).
- "My major concern is the lack of interest shown by some councils, particularly my local ones... the Blue Mountains City Council and Penrith City Council. The other problem of course is that it could become like disabled parking where the authority is handed out to every Tom, Dick and Harry. I know of one case where a young lass gained one for no better reason than she was overweight!