Published Tuesday, 07 October, 2008 at 02:12 PM
Minister for Communities, Disability Services, ATSIP, Multicultural Affairs, Seniors and Youth
The Honourable Lindy Nelson-Carr
Dogs with jobs have rights too: Minister
New laws introduced into Parliament today will enshrine the role and rights of guide, hearing and – for the first time – assistance dogs who make an important contribution to the lives and well being of Queenslanders with a disability.
Disability Services Minister Lindy Nelson-Carr said the Guide, Hearing and Assistance Dogs Bill 2008 would assist people with a disability who rely on these highly-trained dogs to access public places and ride public transport.
“Assistance dogs are trained to help people with physical, neurological or sensory disabilities do everyday tasks, such as alerting people if their handler is having a seizure, opening and closing doors and cupboards, pushing pedestrian buttons and retrieving items,” she said.
“Guide and hearing dogs have received public recognition for the work they do but assistance dogs have been left out until now.
”This legislation recognises dogs with jobs have rights.”
The Minister said the legislation was not a toothless tiger, with hefty fines of between $7,500 for individuals and $37,500 for organisations who deny access to these loyal and hard-working dogs.
“There is a growing number of Queenslanders using assistance dogs, estimated to be around 100, compared to some 122 Guide Dogs and 98 hearing dogs.
“While some people may misunderstand anti-discrimination laws and the fact people accompanied by working dogs have the right to access, it is important we keep up with the times and also recognise assistance dogs under Queensland legislation.
“The Bill is extensive, covering training, testing and accrediting the animals, formal identification, fines and monitoring, including the appointment of compliance officers to investigate complaints.”
For more information about the Bill, contact the Disability Information Service on toll free 1800 177 120, fax 3896 34 67, or TTY 1800 010 222.
Media Contact: Minister Nelson-Carr’s office 3235 4280
Disability Services Minister Lindy Nelson-Carr said the Guide, Hearing and Assistance Dogs Bill 2008 would assist people with a disability who rely on these highly-trained dogs to access public places and ride public transport.
“Assistance dogs are trained to help people with physical, neurological or sensory disabilities do everyday tasks, such as alerting people if their handler is having a seizure, opening and closing doors and cupboards, pushing pedestrian buttons and retrieving items,” she said.
“Guide and hearing dogs have received public recognition for the work they do but assistance dogs have been left out until now.
”This legislation recognises dogs with jobs have rights.”
The Minister said the legislation was not a toothless tiger, with hefty fines of between $7,500 for individuals and $37,500 for organisations who deny access to these loyal and hard-working dogs.
“There is a growing number of Queenslanders using assistance dogs, estimated to be around 100, compared to some 122 Guide Dogs and 98 hearing dogs.
“While some people may misunderstand anti-discrimination laws and the fact people accompanied by working dogs have the right to access, it is important we keep up with the times and also recognise assistance dogs under Queensland legislation.
“The Bill is extensive, covering training, testing and accrediting the animals, formal identification, fines and monitoring, including the appointment of compliance officers to investigate complaints.”
For more information about the Bill, contact the Disability Information Service on toll free 1800 177 120, fax 3896 34 67, or TTY 1800 010 222.
Media Contact: Minister Nelson-Carr’s office 3235 4280