MEDIA ALERT: Proposed new laws to provide access for assistance dogs

Assistance dogs will demonstrate their skills on the Speakers’ Green at Parliament House tomorrow, helping to promote proposed new laws giving them the same entry and access rights to public places as guide dogs and hearing dogs.

Disability Services Minister Warren Pitt said assistance dogs were becoming increasingly popular with people with a disability, and following consultation it was proposed to introduce legislation that recognised their role.

A specialist assistance dog trainer will demonstrate how the dogs are able to assist people with disabilities in their everyday life.

WHERE: Speakers’ Green, Parliament House

WHEN: 12.30 pm

DATE: Thursday 6 September 2007

Media contact: Joe Begley on 3235 4280 or 0408 701 379