Public toilets now need a secret key—yes, really
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Millions of Australians could soon unlock greater freedom in their daily lives.
A simple key is offering independence and dignity to those who need it most.
But despite being available for decades, many people still do not know it exists.
More than two million Australians were urged to apply for a Master Locksmiths Access Key (MLAK), which grants secure access to specialised toilets across the country.
The program began over 30 years ago and allows eligible people with mobility-related disabilities, including seniors, to access more than 1,000 locked bathrooms in public spaces such as shopping centres, train stations, and parks.
Master Locksmiths president Martin Coote said the system helped ensure disabled toilets remained clean and available.
‘Unfortunately, accessible public toilets, because of their privacy, are often targeted by those doing drugs, with wrong intentions or who are unfortunately sleeping rough, and are often unhygienic,’ he said.
The key initially cost $70.40 and provided lifetime access, but most applicants effectively received them free due to subsidies from the National Disability Insurance Scheme.
Applicants needed to prove their disability with written authority from a doctor, health care group, disability organisation, or similar before being approved.
While there are an estimated 14,000 disabled toilets nationwide, only around 10 per cent were MLAK-enabled, with calls for councils to expand the number.
NSW had the most MLAK facilities, followed by Victoria, Western Australia, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, and the ACT.
Frances Kupke-Smith, director of the Regional Disability Advocacy Service, explained the key gave her a sense of independence.
‘It gives me secure and reliable access to public toilets and facilities when I need them, without the stress of asking for help or worrying if a door will be locked,’ she said.
Youth Disability Advocacy Network CEO in WA, Isabella Choate, said the program meant much more than physical access.
‘It’s about our dignity, independence, and ultimately, our inclusion in mainstream society. The MLAK system is a small but powerful shift of control back into our hands. It empowers us to move through public spaces freely, without waiting or asking for help,’ she said.
Anyone wishing to apply for an MLAK could do so through the Master Locksmiths website.
The discussion around toilet access is not only about locks and keys—it also extends to how these spaces are shared and repurposed.
In some places, accessible toilets have been redesignated in ways that spark debate about whether they remain truly inclusive.
It’s a reminder that even well-intentioned changes can stir strong feelings about dignity and fairness.
Read more: Some say it’s overdue, others say it’s unnecessary: Where do you stand on this bathroom debate?
Could this small key be the difference between isolation and true independence for millions of Australians?
A simple key is offering independence and dignity to those who need it most.
But despite being available for decades, many people still do not know it exists.
More than two million Australians were urged to apply for a Master Locksmiths Access Key (MLAK), which grants secure access to specialised toilets across the country.
The program began over 30 years ago and allows eligible people with mobility-related disabilities, including seniors, to access more than 1,000 locked bathrooms in public spaces such as shopping centres, train stations, and parks.
Master Locksmiths president Martin Coote said the system helped ensure disabled toilets remained clean and available.
Key program unlocks safer public toilet access. Image source: Pexels/Jonas Thomann
Disclaimer: This is a stock image used for illustrative purposes only and does not depict the actual person, item, or event described.
Disclaimer: This is a stock image used for illustrative purposes only and does not depict the actual person, item, or event described.
‘Unfortunately, accessible public toilets, because of their privacy, are often targeted by those doing drugs, with wrong intentions or who are unfortunately sleeping rough, and are often unhygienic,’ he said.
The key initially cost $70.40 and provided lifetime access, but most applicants effectively received them free due to subsidies from the National Disability Insurance Scheme.
Applicants needed to prove their disability with written authority from a doctor, health care group, disability organisation, or similar before being approved.
While there are an estimated 14,000 disabled toilets nationwide, only around 10 per cent were MLAK-enabled, with calls for councils to expand the number.
NSW had the most MLAK facilities, followed by Victoria, Western Australia, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, and the ACT.
Frances Kupke-Smith, director of the Regional Disability Advocacy Service, explained the key gave her a sense of independence.
‘It gives me secure and reliable access to public toilets and facilities when I need them, without the stress of asking for help or worrying if a door will be locked,’ she said.
Youth Disability Advocacy Network CEO in WA, Isabella Choate, said the program meant much more than physical access.
‘It’s about our dignity, independence, and ultimately, our inclusion in mainstream society. The MLAK system is a small but powerful shift of control back into our hands. It empowers us to move through public spaces freely, without waiting or asking for help,’ she said.
Anyone wishing to apply for an MLAK could do so through the Master Locksmiths website.
The discussion around toilet access is not only about locks and keys—it also extends to how these spaces are shared and repurposed.
In some places, accessible toilets have been redesignated in ways that spark debate about whether they remain truly inclusive.
It’s a reminder that even well-intentioned changes can stir strong feelings about dignity and fairness.
Read more: Some say it’s overdue, others say it’s unnecessary: Where do you stand on this bathroom debate?
Could this small key be the difference between isolation and true independence for millions of Australians?
