Legislation & State requirements
Assistance dogs and the Disability discrimination act 1992 (DDA)
According to the DDA92, Under Part 1, Section 9(2):
(2) For the purposes of this Act, an assistance animal is a dog or other animal:
(a) accredited under a law of a State or Territory that provides for the accreditation of animals trained to assist a persons with a disability to alleviate the effect of the disability; or
(b) accredited by an animal training organisation prescribed by the regulations for the purposes of this paragraph; or
(c) trained:
(i) to assist a person with a disability to alleviate the effect of the disability; and
(ii) to meet standards of hygiene and behaviour that are appropriate for an animal in a public place.
Note: For exemptions from Part 2 for discrimination in relation to assistance animals, see section 54A.
You can download the DDA92 here: https://www.legislation.gov.au/C2004A04426/2018-04-12/text
Assistance Dogs in other Australian states:
Alongside your GHAD PAT accreditation via the Queensland government (acknowledged in Qld, NSW, Vic and ACT) you should also have:
Victoria – an Assistance Animal Pass is required and issued by Public Transport Victoria permitting assistance animals to travel on public transport. The pass is valid for 3 years. https://www.ptv.vic.gov.au/tickets/myki/concessions-and-free-travel/assistance-animal-pass/
Western Australia – The Public Transport Authority doesn’t require permits for assistance animals to travel on public transport. There is local government legislation providing for animals to have an ID card and a dog coat/harness. https://www.dlgsc.wa.gov.au/local-government/community/cats-and-dogs/applying-for-assistance-dog-approval
Queensland – A Handler’s Identity Card is valid for 5 years allowing travel on public transport. Also, Translink (South East Queensland Transport Authority) issues an Animal Pass provided the dog meets certain standards of behaviour in public. https://www.qld.gov.au/disability/out-and-about/ghad
South Australia – The Dog and Cat Management Board issues a Disability Dog Pass that is valid indefinitely. https://dogandcatboard.com.au/dogs/assistance-dogs
New South Wales – An Assistance Animal Permit is required for access to public transport, however Guide dogs and Hearing dogs do not require a permit. The permit must be renewed annually. https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/transaction/apply-assistance-animal-permit
Australian Capital Territory – The ACT assistance animal accreditation framework. Part of the Domestic Animals act 2000. https://www.cityservices.act.gov.au/pets-and-wildlife/domestic-animals/assistance-animals
Northern Territory and Tasmania – no system of accreditation exists and no specific passes issued. https://www.disabilitygateway.gov.au/aids-equipment/assistance-animals/nt
If you feel you have been discriminated against because of your Assistance Dog, you may wish to take it further. Here is a suggested link: disability discrimination legal service
