The Department of Social Services is inviting assistance animal users to have their say on nationally consistent rules for support animals.
An assistance animal is trained to support the independence and wellbeing of people with disability. Assistance animal users have the right to have their animal with them.
But they regularly experience barriers, including being refused entry to businesses or transport with their animal, or even simply a lack of recognition of how these creatures help those who need them.
And rules for assistance animal accreditation differ from state to state.
The Department says consistent rules across the country will reduce confusion for businesses and services, and make life easier for people who use assistance animals.
National Principles
The Department of Social Services has worked with states, territories and other Government agencies to develop draft National Principles for the regulation of these animals. The draft Assistance Animal Principles are:
- nationally consistent accreditation requirements for assistance animal trainers and/or training organisations
- nationally consistent minimum assistance animal training standards
- a single national Public Access Test for assistance animals
- nationally consistent requirements for evidence of disability and a need for an assistance animal
- national identity card and logo, and
- wellbeing of the assistance animal, including during and after its working life.
Now, the Department is inviting public feedback on these draft principles. Find more information about the draft Assistance Animal Principles in the Consultation Paper, and make a submission to help shape the future of assistance animals in Australia.
You can choose to respond to guided questions about the Assistance Animal Principles, or to make a written submission, or both. Your response will not be shared unless you give permission.
If you have any questions, email sector.engagement@dss.gov.au.