By Ms. Joe Manton – Director, Access Institute – [email protected]
25 June 2025
Is the use of MLAK on public facilities a form of discrimination, or does it offer essential security for facilities and benefits for people with disabilities? As communities evolve and access expectations change, it’s time to explore whether the MLAK system supports or hinders inclusion.
What is the MLAK System?
According to the Master Locksmiths Association of Australia (MLAA), the MLAK system is a national initiative enabling people with disability to access locked public facilities. These include:
– Accessible toilets
– Elevators at railway stations
– National Park facilities
– Changing Places facilities
– The Liberty Swing and more
Originally developed in 1994 as a joint project between Pittwater Council, ACROD, and the MLAA, the MLAK system uses high-security keyed locks that can be opened with a single MLAK key. This key is available for purchase to individuals who can provide proof of eligibility-such as a letter from a medical or disability organisation. As of 1 July 2025, the cost of a key will be $64.
Locked Accessible Toilets – Fairness or Discrimination?
When MLAK was introduced over 30 years ago, accessible public toilets were rare. Concerns about misuse-including vandalism, illicit activity, and unauthorised use-often drove decisions to lock these facilities. As a former Director at a large Melbourne metropolitan council responsible for access and inclusion, I recall many internal discussions where these fears were voiced-often without evidence to support them. Unfortunately, the rights and dignity of people with disabilities were rarely the focus. Protecting assets took priority.
Fast forward to today, and while access has improved, locking accessible toilets when standard toilets remain open is no longer justifiable. More importantly, requiring a person with a disability to pay for the privilege of using a public toilet is both inequitable and, arguably, discriminatory.
Why should people with disabilities be forced to pay to access toilets when others are not? This practice risks breaching the Disability Discrimination Act and undermines many organisations’ own access and equity policies. Public services must be accessible to everyone-without financial or physical barriers.
I strongly urge any organisation-particularly local Councils-locking accessible toilets while leaving others open, and charging a fee for a key, to reconsider and change this practice. Equity and dignity are not optional. They’re fundamental rights.
Changing Places Facilities – Different Purpose, Different Considerations
When it comes to MLAK use in Accessible Adult Change Facilities (AACF) or Changing Places, the context is different.
These facilities contain expensive, specialised equipment, such as:
– Adult-sized height-adjustable change tables
– Ceiling hoists
– Peninsula toilets
– Automatic doors
– Ample circulation space
These are essential for people with high physical support needs, supporting full participation in public life. Without access to these facilities, people are left with unacceptable alternatives, such as being changed on toilet floors-a degrading and unsafe practice.
Given the value and vulnerability of these facilities, locking them may be justifiable to protect the equipment. However, charging individuals with disability to access these spaces via MLAK is still inequitable.
Organisations should:
– Ensure access to all toilets without charge
– Locate facilities in secure, supervised environments where possible
– Review whether locking AACF or Changing Places is truly necessary
– Align access times with all other toilet facilities
Moving Forward
Whilst the MLAK system can still play a role in providing security for an asset such as a Changing Places facility, due to the specialised equipment it includes, it’s now time to reconsider its application in relation to other toilets, particularly accessible toilets. Access to essential public amenities – especially for people with disability – must be equitable, free of unnecessary restrictions, and always prioritise dignity.
For more information about Changing Places facilities or Assessor training programs, contact Access Institute at [email protected] or visit www.accessinstitute.com.au.