Ignore the rights of working dogs and face big fines: Minister
Published Thursday, 12 February, 2009 at 05:57 PM
Minister for Communities, Disability Services, ATSIP, Multicultural Affairs, Seniors and Youth
The Honourable Lindy Nelson-Carr
Disability Services Minister Lindy Nelson-Carr has warned new big fines up to $50,000 could be issued to corporations refusing entry to assistance and guide dogs under new legislation passed in Parliament today.
“These new laws enshrine the rights of guide, hearing and – for the first time – assistance dogs who play a significant role in the lives of Queenslanders with a disability,” Ms Nelson-Carr said.
“The Guide, Hearing and Assistance Dogs Act 2009 will assist people with a disability who rely on these highly-trained working dogs to access public places and use public transport,” she said.
“Assistance dogs are trained to help people do everyday tasks, from opening and closing doors, to pushing pedestrian buttons and retrieving items so it is timely to also recognise these hard working dogs.”
The hefty fines, which come into force on September 1, 2009, range from between $10,000 for individuals to $50,000 for corporations who deny access to accredited dogs.
It is estimated there are some 100 assistance dogs, 122 Guide Dogs and 98 hearing dogs working in Queensland.
“The new legislation is extensive and covers training, testing and accrediting dogs, formal identification, fines and monitoring, and the appointment of compliance officers to investigate complaints.
“These initiatives will give the community confidence that the dogs are trained to a high standard and can be relied upon to behave appropriately when accompanying their handler.”
For more information about the new laws, 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
“These new laws enshrine the rights of guide, hearing and – for the first time – assistance dogs who play a significant role in the lives of Queenslanders with a disability,” Ms Nelson-Carr said.
“The Guide, Hearing and Assistance Dogs Act 2009 will assist people with a disability who rely on these highly-trained working dogs to access public places and use public transport,” she said.
“Assistance dogs are trained to help people do everyday tasks, from opening and closing doors, to pushing pedestrian buttons and retrieving items so it is timely to also recognise these hard working dogs.”
The hefty fines, which come into force on September 1, 2009, range from between $10,000 for individuals to $50,000 for corporations who deny access to accredited dogs.
It is estimated there are some 100 assistance dogs, 122 Guide Dogs and 98 hearing dogs working in Queensland.
“The new legislation is extensive and covers training, testing and accrediting dogs, formal identification, fines and monitoring, and the appointment of compliance officers to investigate complaints.
“These initiatives will give the community confidence that the dogs are trained to a high standard and can be relied upon to behave appropriately when accompanying their handler.”
For more information about the new laws, 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