Joint statement: Premier unveils two-for-one card for Queenslanders ...

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Joint Statement:

Premier
The Honourable Anna Bligh

Minister for Communities, Disability Services, ATSIP, Multicultural Affairs, Seniors and Youth
The Honourable Lindy Nelson-Carr
03/12/2008

Premier unveils two-for-one card for Queenslanders with a disability

Premier Anna Bligh has today announced a new two-for-one Companion Card for Queenslanders with a disability will be rolled out across the State in early 2009.

"I am pleased to announce Companion Cards will be honoured on urban public transport services contracted to Queensland Transport across the State, including the TransLink Transit Authority," Ms Bligh said.

"This is significant, given the important role transport plays in enabling people to get around and join in community life which is a big deal for Queenslanders with a disability," she said.

"The Companion Card - which can be used across Queensland as well as Victoria, Tasmania, South Australia and Western Australia - has been designed for people with a disability who need the aid of a carer to take part in activities most people take for granted.

"The Companion Card program acknowledges the human and legal rights of people with a disability to participate equally in the community.

"Cardholders who require lifelong attendant care will be able to access affiliated community venues and activities with their carer for the price of a single ticket.

"It's about making it more affordable for people with a disability to join in community life - removing the financial barrier often experienced by those with high mobility, communication and self-care support needs.

"By offering a ticket at no charge to an accompanying person who is providing attendant care, this program will improve the quality of life and deliver on our vision to build stronger, more inclusive communities in Tomorrow's Queensland."

The Premier said businesses are already signing up, with the cards to be available from February-early March.

Ms Bligh said businesses were already signing up to offer the two-for one deal.,

"I welcome to the program the Queensland Performing Arts Centre, Queensland Ballet, Opera Queensland, the Queensland Theatre Company, The Judith Wright Centre of Contemporary Arts, Australia Zoo, AFL including the Brisbane Lions, Queensland Museum and Sciencecentre, Birch Carroll and Coyle, the Workshops Rail Museum in Ipswich, and the Museum of Tropical Queensland in Townsville," she said.

"I particularly welcome the regional businesses that have signed up and I encourage more to follow.

"Brisbane Marketing will also be a strong advocate for the program and this will assist in signing up a growing list of affiliates," she said.

"I also applaud Carers Queensland for their work supporting Queensland carers."

Disability Services Minister Lindy Nelson-Carr said reciprocal rights were in place so Queenslanders with a Companion Card will be able to use their card in most other states - Western Australia, South Australia, Tasmania and Victoria - with the program aiming to become national in time.

"It's a great scheme that enables venues, promoters, entertainers and sporting organisations to demonstrate their commitment to giving people a fair go by helping those who need assistance to do the things most of us take for granted," she said.

"The card also makes it easy for organisations to identify patrons who legitimately require assistance.

"Participation in the program certainly goes a long way to assisting organisations fulfil their obligations under anti-discrimination legislation."

Ms Nelson-Carr urged community-minded business operators who charge an entry fee to register their interest in the Companion Card program by calling 13 13 04 or going online.

"The Companion Card is delivering on commitments to support people with a disability and recognises the significant contribution made by their carers, as outlined in the Queensland Government Carer Action Plan 2006-10."

The Companion Card follows the introduction earlier this year of Australia's first Carer Business Discount Card in Queensland.

For more information, visit www.disability.qld.gov.au/community/carer-recognition/ or www.companioncard.asn.au

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