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Companion Card new web site
Monday, November 16, 2009
About the Companion Card program
http://www.fahcsia.gov.au/sa/disability/progserv/people/companioncard/Pages/default.aspx
I support the introduction of the Companion Card and look forward to
the increased participation of people with a disability in events and
activities throughout Queensland.
Susan Booth
Anti-Discrimination Commissioner Queensland
October 2008
The Queensland Companion Card program is initiative under the Queensland Government’s Carer Action Plan 2006-10.
The
Queensland Government is committed to ensuring people with a disability
participate equally in community life and has adopted the Companion
Card program as a further way of upholding this right.
It
promotes fair ticketing for people with a disability who have a
lifelong need for the significant assistance of a companion to attend
venues and activities.
The program will also support people in our community providing care to people with a disability.
Cardholders present their card when purchasing tickets at
participating businesses and are issued with a second ticket for their
companion at no charge.
Businesses affiliated with the program absorb the costs associated
with the companion ticket. The companion ticket is exempt from all
booking fees. The program is not a discount scheme, concession or
benefit.
Background
The Companion Card program was introduced in Victoria in 2003 in
response to concerns from people with a disability who found the
pricing policies of many entertainment, leisure and recreation venues
and activities to be discriminatory.
It was considered unfair to require people with a disability to
purchase two tickets — one for themselves and another for their
companion — when, without the support of the companion, they would not
be able to visit the venue or participate in the event. The Companion
Card program was developed by the Victorian Government to assist in
removing this barrier to participation.The program is now operating
across Australia and further information is available on the national Companion Card website
The Australian Government has also made a commitment for a national
Companion Card scheme. This has the potential to enhance the program
and bring more benefits to cardholders. Discussions between the
Australian Government, states and territories are continuing.
The Australian Human Rights Commission and the Anti-Discrimination Commission Queensland fully endorse the program.
http://www.communityservices.qld.gov.au/community/companion-card/
Stefanie Evans
In the News
