Changing Places

Announced in the 2022-23 October Budget, The Australian Government is investing $32.2 million from 2022 to 2026. The Commonwealth has committed to contribute up to half of the total build cost for any fixed place or portable Changing Places facility agreed to under this funding offer.

Changing Places facilities are larger than standard accessible toilets and have extra features and more space to meet the needs of people with disability and their carers.

A Changing Places toilet facility allows individuals with high support needs to take part in all elements of community life, without having to limit their time out due to concerns about being able to access a suitable toilet. Changing Places provide suitable facilities for people who are not accommodated by standard accessible toilets.

Changing Places facilities include:

  • a height-adjustable adult-sized change table
  • a constant-charging ceiling track hoist system
  • a centrally-located peninsula toilet
  • more circulation space than standard accessible toilets
  • an automatic door with a clear opening of 950mm at minimum
  • a privacy screen

Implementation Timeline

The Government’s funding commitment is being implemented in four Tranches of delivery: Tranche 1 (2022-2023), Tranche 2 (2023-2024), Tranche 3 (2024-2025), and Tranche 4 (2025-2026).

Tranches 1 and 2 of Changing Places have now closed, with the Commonwealth partnering with the Australian Capital Territory, New South Wales, the Northern Territory, South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria and Western Australia for 38 Changing Places facilities.

Work on Tranche 3 is currently underway and will run during the 2024-25 financial year.

The department continues to meet regularly with all states and territories to enter into agreements with jurisdictions that will be ready to partner in the current financial year, including Changing Places facilities integrated with upcoming infrastructure projects at the state and territory level.

Funding and Funding Mechanisms

The Commonwealth will provide:

  • 50% of the funding towards build costs for Changing Places facilities in LGAs without an existing facility, or
  • 40% of the funding towards build costs for all subsequent facilities in any LGA with at least one Changing Places facility.

It is recognised that build cost may vary amongst jurisdictions, and between regional or metropolitan locations. Given this, funding allocation will be based on quoted build cost for each facility, as supported by at least one quote.

The department is delivering funding through Federation Funding Agreements (FFAs) coordinated between the Commonwealth and states and territories directly.

Further information on FFAs can be found on the Federal Financial Relations website.

Sourcing of Remaining Funding and Co-Funding Opportunities

Funding partners are encouraged to identify collaborative funding contributions from states and territories, Local Government Areas (LGAs), local councils, and appropriate third party contributors. Third party contributors may include tourism locations, shopping precincts, or existing builds.

Jurisdictions are able to utilise funding from other Commonwealth grants for the remaining funding.

To remain eligible for funding under Commonwealth FFAs, jurisdictions must maintain overarching responsibility for project delivery and reporting.

Interested parties are encouraged to discuss specific build and funding proposals with the relevant state or territory government, to determine the most appropriate pathway forward. States and territories seeking to partner or discuss the funding offer further may contact the department at ChangingPlaces@dss.gov.au.

Eligibility and Funding Requirements

As of 1 February 2024, all LGAs eligible for funding, regardless of existing Changing Places facilities. Once funding is received, building must begin within 12 months of receiving Commonwealth funding and be complete within 18 months of build commencement.

All Changing Places facilities must be accredited by a Changing Places Assessor. Accreditation ensures that Changing Places are built to standard, so users can be confident that the design is fit for purpose.

It is the responsibility of the coordinating state or territory to ensure the newly built facility is accredited by a Changing Places Assessor.

The Commonwealth funding is a contribution towards the costs of building a Changing Places facility. All ongoing operational or maintenance costs are the responsibility of the state or territory.

Portable Facilities

Portable Changing Places are portable facilities such as Placeable Pods, Marvelloos, or another portable toilet facility that meets Changing Places requirements. Portable Changing Places offer state, territory and local governments a versatile solution to ensuring people with disability and their carers have access to a Changing Places facility where it may not be possible or suitable to build a permanent facility. This may include education settings, temporary infrastructure, and community events.

As of July 2024, portable Changing Places facilities are now eligible for Commonwealth contribution. For further information on Commonwealth funding for portable Changing Places, please refer to the Changing Places Portable Facilities FAQ.

Further Information

Further information on Changing Places can be found at the Changing Places Australia website. The Changing Places Australia website is overseen by the Victorian Department of Families, Fairness and Housing. It contains the following:

  • a list of all accredited and registered Changing Places facilities
  • the Changing Places Design Specifications 2020
  • design files
  • online registration and accreditation processes 

Further information on the Changing Places Commonwealth funding offer can be found in the following Commonwealth Funding Offer Fact Sheet.

If you are interested in building a Changing Places under the Commonwealth funding offer, you can register your interest by contacting ChangingPlaces@dss.gov.au.

Changing Places Links

Last updated: