The Commonwealth Government’s initiative to harmonise disability parking permit schemes aims to achieve a national scheme that best meets eligible users’ needs.
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.
On 26 May 2009, the Parliamentary Secretary for Disabilities and Children’s Services,
the Hon Bill Shorten MP, released the
Harmonisation of disability parking permit schemes in Australia discussion paper which outlined proposals to establish nationally consistent arrangements for disability parking.
Of the 687 written submissions received:
- 486 were from individuals (380 of whom were permit holders);
- 76 were from support organisations;
- 75 were from local government representatives;
- 19 were from national peak bodies;
- 14 were from small businesses;
- nine were from medical practitioners; and
- eight were from government agencies.
A breakdown by state and territory is as follows:
| NSW |
VIC |
QLD |
SA |
WA |
TAS |
NT |
ACT |
Not specified in submission |
| 179 |
159 |
85 |
66 |
71 |
21 |
14 |
42 |
50 |