Bundaberg Access Card
The Access Card program is a collaborative project between Carers Queensland (Wide Bay) and Bundaberg Regional Access Advisory Committee. It was established in response to continued concern from people with a disability, who found the pricing policies of many entertainment, leisure and recreation venues/activities to be discriminatory.
People with a disability, who are unable to attend community venues and activities without attendant care support, have a right to equal participation in the community. This fundamental right is protected under Section 8 of the Disability Discrimination Act 1992. This Act makes it unlawful to discriminate against a person who requires the assistance of a Carer.
In the past, a person with a disability who needed attendant care support in order to participate at most venues/activities in the community, has sometimes been required to pay two admission and/or booking fees - one for themselves and one for their carer. This practice is discriminatory because it has the effect of doubling the admission and/or booking price for the person with a disability.
A number of venue/activity operators in Bundaberg have attempted to address this inequity and have allowed free admission for carers. Until recently however, these organisations did not have a simple or consistent method of identifying who may legitimately require a carer. The Access Card has been developed as an easy way to demonstrate the requirement of a carer. It is not a discount scheme, concession or benefit and is currently being trial by local businesses in the Budaburg area.
For more information on the Access Card initiative visit the Bundaberg Access web site.
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