23 September 2023
The Master Locksmiths Access Key system, better known as the MLAK, was developed by the Master Locksmiths Association of Australasia Ltd (MLAA), ACROD and Pittwater Council back in 1994. The system was developed to help increase the availability of accessible, clean and functioning public facilities for the people that don’t always have the luxury of using standard facilities.
Nearly 30 years later, the MLAK system is still widely used today to allow people with special needs to access dedicated public facilities 24 hours a day.
While accessible facilities should be open during daylight hours, this is seldom the case. The reality is they are generally locked after hours due to the risk of vandalism.
Easy access to public toilets is something the general public often takes for granted, but for people with special needs, the issue is not always straight forward.
Where is the MLAK System Used?
The MLAK system is used Australia-wide. The system has been installed at railway stations, accessible toilets in Council facilities and shopping centres, and in National Parks. It is also used on adaptive playground equipment such as the Liberty Swing.
In recent years, the Master Locksmiths Access Key system has been installed in the state-of-the-art Changing Places facilities throughout Australia, providing easy access to even more people with special needs.
How Do You Know Where the MLAK System is Used?
Details of MLAK-enabled facilities throughout Australia can be found on the National Public Toilet Map.
To access this directory, please visit: https://toiletmap.gov.au/
Who is Eligible for an MLAK Key?
Access to Master Locksmiths Access Keys is restricted to people with special needs or people and/or organisations who look after people with special needs. Owners Corporations, Centre Management at shopping centres and owners of buildings with an MLAK-enabled facility onsite can also purchase Master Locksmith Access Keys.
How Do You Purchase an MLAK Key?
Master Locksmith Access Keys can be purchased directly from the Master Locksmiths Association of Australasia (MLAA) Support Office.
Email: national@masterlocksmiths.com.au
Phone: +61 3 9338 8822
Toll Free: 1800 810 698
MLAKs can also be ordered from most Business Members of the Master Locksmiths Association of Australasia. Via our website home page, enter your suburb in the Find A Locksmith box to find a member near you.