Local people with a disability are on track to benefit from improved accessibility thanks to the Guide, Hearing and Assistance Dogs Amendment Bill which was introduced into State Parliament last week.

State Member for Morayfield, Mark Ryan MP, said the introduction of the Amendment Bill was aimed at simplifying and streamlining processes for people with a disability and the industry.

“Our primary focus is to help people with a disability to fully participate in the community,” Mr Ryan said.

“A recent review of the Guide, Hearing and Assistance Dogs Act 2009 identified that the Act was working well but still had some gaps.

“The introduction of this Amendment Bill is about closing these gaps and improving the access rights of guide, hearing and assistance dog users.”

Mr Ryan said the Queensland Government would work with stakeholders in the disability sector to raise awareness about the rights of guide, hearing and assistance dog users.

“We will develop a communication strategy with industry to educate businesses and the community about the Act and access for people with guide, hearing and assistance dogs in general,” he said.

The Amendment Bill has now been referred to the Communities, Disability Services and Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Committee for consideration.

For information about disabilities and available supports and services, visit www.qld.gov.au/disability.