Following advocacy undertaken by Vision Australia, a new business-sized card has been developed in cooperation with the New South Wales (NSW) Police force, Assistance Dogs Australia and Guide Dogs NSW. The card summarises information about the laws and penalties in operation across the state.
Despite anti-discrimination regulations in Australia making it unlawful to deny access to someone in the company of their assistance dog, Vision Australia research has revealed that 55% of Seeing Eye Dog handlers, trainers and puppy carers are still denied entry into businesses, taxis, restaurants, health facilities and government offices.
The wallet-sized card was created to assist dog handlers and trainers who experience discrimination, and as a means of improving community awareness about the legal obligations – especially amongst business owner s and operators.
NSW Clients of Seeing Eye Dogs Australia will receive a plastic version of the card, which fits easily into a wallet or purse, and additional business card copies will be made available upon request from Vision Australia offices in New South Wales.
Handlers who are experiencing discrimination in public places may choose to present these summary cards to assist with their self-advocacy and awareness raising efforts.
The information printed on the card is detailed below.
For further information or to obtain additional copies of the card, call Vision Australia on 1300 847 466.
Guide, Hearing & Assistance Dogs Access Rights
People and their guide, hearing or service assistance dog are legally allowed to enter all public places, including shops & supermarkets, cafes & restaurants, pubs & clubs, hotels & motels, hospitals, medical practices & dental surgeries. They can also travel on all types of public transport, including taxis. It is an offence to deny or charge a fee for entry of an Assistance Dog. Police and other authorised officers can issue on-the-spot fines or take further summary action.
Below this text from left to right are the following images:
Dog in a harness, ADI logo, NSW Police logo and the heading ‘Police Assistance Line’ with the contact number underneath it ‘131 444’
The reverse side of the card details information about the relevant laws, offence codes and penalties:
Relevant laws & policy
- Companion Animals Act 1998 (NSW)
- Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (Cth)
- Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code
This is followed by a table with two lines, which conveys the offence codes and the related fines ($165). Underneath the table is the following text:
Penalties of up to $880 could apply. Additional civil action could also be taken against you. For further information, please visit guidedogs.com.au, seda.visionaustralia.org, or assistancedogsinternationaloceania.org
This card is not proof of an animal’s accreditation.