22 April 2008
*NSW Government to introduce Companion Card for Carers*
People in NSW who have a severe or profound disability will now be able to take a carer on public transport or to a range of sporting, entertainment and other events for the price of a single ticket. The NSW Government will provide the card to people who always or usually require the assistance of a carer in their daily lives, with eligibility based on the needs of the person with disability.
NDS has welcomed the announcement because of the benefit to people with disabilities for whom the Companion Card will create better access to the community, everyday services and events.
NDS has long been an advocate of the introduction of a Companion Card, and congratulates the NSW Government on the introduction of this vital new program.
The Companion Card enables carers of people with a disability to access all public transport, including ferries, plus entry to national parks and Sydney’s Taronga Zoo. The Government hopes that the private sector will also recognise the card.
NSW follows Victoria, Western Australia, Tasmania and South Australia in introducing the Companion Card scheme. NDS operates the scheme in WA (see http://www.wa.companioncard.org.au/). In South Australia, the scheme is jointly managed by the State Government and NDS. NDS is responsible for signing up business affiliates and promoting the scheme.
While the Victorian Government owns the trade mark and intellectual property rights for the Companion Card, it is keen to support other States and Territories to facilitate the rights of people with disability by providing a licence and full support to implement the program. Organisations seeking information about the Companion Card or wishing to affiliate their venue or activity should contact the Companion Card program in the State or Territory in which they operate. National affiliates should contact the Victorian Companion Card .
NSW’s announcement brings Federal Labor’s promise last year to make the Company Card scheme into a nationwide program closer to a reality.
More information:
http://www.companioncard.org.au/cc/CCPortal/portal_index.htm
