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 an 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, together with all states and territories have established a plan for a National Companion Card scheme. This will support the recognition of the Companion Card across all states and territories for the benefit of eligible people with a disability and their carers.
The Australian Human Rights Commission and the Anti-Discrimination Commission Queensland fully endorse the program.
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