Update: The Master Locksmiths Association has offered to get in contact with the centre management of the Sunshine Plaza and arrange for them to receive a set of two keys.
Disabled shoppers at Sunshine Plaza are being forced to cough up $20 to use the rest rooms.
The toilets have been fitted with a lock system known as Master Locksmith Access Key (MLAK) after misuse of the facilities.
Under the system, people with a disability can buy a MLAK master key to open all toilets, playgrounds and other facilities fitted with the specially designed lock.
Lee James, who has a disability and is a frequent shopper at the Sunshine Plaza, questioned the fairness of the key system.
“I’m a bit annoyed that I have to pay to go to the toilet when able-bodied people don’t,” he said. “I don’t like to use the word discrimination, but in this case it is.”
Mr James said he became aware of the key system last month when he went to use the toilet. A sign on the disabled toilet door directed him to centre management.
Mr James said he was told by centre staff the facilities had been misused.
“I understand what the plaza is trying to do with the lock and I agree with that, but maybe there could be a system implemented to remove the fee,” he said.
The fee goes to the Master Locksmiths Association of Australasia, not the plaza.
Peter Thomson, who was one of the founding members of the Brimbank Disability Group, said the fee was unacceptable.
“I’m not opposed to implementing a lock system if that stops people misusing the facilities, but to charge $20 is outrageous,” he said. “That sort of money is well over the top.”
Mr James said he also had concerns about how long it takes to get a key.
“This isn’t a quick procedure. You’ve got to go see centre management and fill out a form, then take the form down to the locksmith to get a key cut,” he said. “If it’s an emergency situation, there isn’t going to be time to do that.”
While disappointed with the system, Mr James said he’d continue to support local traders.
“I don’t want to see people boycott the plaza.
“I’ve been a regular shopper there for many years and the traders there are good, hardworking people.”
Plaza management declined to comment.
