• Table of Contents
• Foreword
• Introduction
• Transition to and implementation of the new scheme
• What we are consulting about
• Part 1 - Nationally consistent eligibility criteria
• Part 2 - National minimum standards for parking permit concessions
• Part 3 - Nationally consistent parking permit design
• What we are not consulting about
• Information sessions
• Submissions
• Where to send your completed submission
• Next steps
• Privacy and confidentiality

Harmonisation of disability parking permit schemes in Australia

• Previous: (Foreword)
• Next: (Transition to and implementation of the new scheme)

Introduction

Most people recognise the International Symbol for Access (ISA) used on the disability parking signs and permits.

These signs and permits form part of state and territory disability parking permit schemes in Australia.

The schemes have different eligibility criteria. They also have different concessions that determine how long disability parking permit holders can use a parking space. In addition, authorities around Australia currently issue more than 100 different permit designs.

Confusion and abuse of permits has resulted from these inconsistent policies. These problems make it difficult for the 800,000 parking permit holders to have the same access to community, work and the environment as do other Australians.

The Commonwealth Government's initiative to harmonise disability parking permit schemes aims to address the needs and concerns of disability parking permit holders.

A working group consisting of representatives appointed by transport, roads and local government ministers has been working with the Commonwealth to develop a proposed scheme. Working group members and their advisory groups include:

• state and territory agencies that administer parking schemes
• the Australian Local Government Association and its members
• state and territory advisory committees made up of permit holders and other stakeholders.

The proposed scheme has also been informed by research into overseas schemes and a review of other areas of policy and legislation. This has included the Australian Road Rules, the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, and the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 and its National Standards.

The working group provides advice about the progress of this initiative to the Community and Disability Services Ministers Conference and the Australian Transport Council, who have now agreed to progress the development of a national framework for the proposed scheme through the consultation process outlined in this discussion paper.

The proposed scheme is a practical measure to harmonise disability parking across states and territories within Australia. It will seek to improve social inclusion and participation of people with disability.

The proposed scheme would provide:

• one set of eligibility criteria
• minimum standards for parking permit concessions
• one type of permit design
• one source of information through a national website.

The proposed scheme includes the nationally consistent eligibility criteria, parking permit concessions and a national permit design. It is based on the following principles:

• Clear - Easy to understand by all participants in the scheme.
• Fair - Focused on those most in need of a disability parking permit, offering more consistent and reciprocal arrangements.
• Robust - Effective at preventing and addressing abuse of the scheme.

Over the next few months we are seeking your advice on the proposed scheme through public consultations and submissions. It is important to gain this feedback to ensure that the new scheme best addresses the needs of people with disability and the community.

• Previous: (Foreword)
• Next: (Transition to and implementation of the new scheme)

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