Disability Access and Facilities
Wheelchair access
The Guardianship Tribunal's premises at Balmain are wheelchair accessible from the street level to the foyer and lift. There is a manual wheelchair available for people with mobility difficulties. The Tribunal ensures that all hearing venues outside Balmain are wheelchair accessible.
Disabled parking spaces are available in the carpark at Balmain. Please ensure your vehicle is locked and no valuable items are visible.
Please contact the Tribunal staff member responsible for the matter before the hearing, so that the wheelchair can be available for the hearing day.
Lift
There is a lift on the ground floor at street and carpark level. It accommodates 14 people, takes up to 952kg and the width of the doorway is 84cm (2ft 9inches). Take the lift to reception on Level 3.
Reception and waiting area
Speak to the receptionist when you arrive so that your attendance can be recorded. There is ample seating for more than 20 people in the waiting area and additional space on the adjoining balcony.
Free tea and coffee making facilities and water are available.
Smokers may use the balcony.
Toilets
There are toilets accessible to people with disabilities on Level 3 and the ground floor. The Tribunal ensures that all hearing venues outside Balmain have toilets that are wheelchair accessible.
Hearing rooms
The hearing rooms are centred around a large hearing table, with chairs on one side for the Tribunal members and chairs set up for people attending the hearing on the other. Hearings are audio taped whenever possible.
Two of the Tribunal's hearing rooms at Balmain have hearing loop facilities for people with 'T' switches on their hearing aids. A portable hearing aid (worn as earphones) is also available.
Please contact the Tribunal staff member responsible for the matter before the hearing, if you or anyone else attending the hearing needs to use any of these devices.