Rachel Siewert (WA, Australian Greens) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I move:

That the Senate—

(a) notes that:

  (i) support and assistance dogs can help guide those living with trauma and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) back to a sense of safety, helping to improve interpersonal connections, encourage engagement in the community, improve the overall quality of life and can be particularly helpful for survivors of child sexual abuse, and

  (ii) the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 sets out the legal definition of an assistance animal, but there are inconsistencies in laws and policies across the states and territories, and between the states, territories and the Commonwealth which mean that people who use assistance animals face discrimination, uncertainty and a range of associated challenges to accessing the community which often exacerbates their symptoms of PTSD; and

(b) calls on the Federal Government to:

  (i) work with state and territory governments to develop a national model or interstate recognition of assistance animal identification,

  (ii) ensure that certification that is clear and simple such as a single permit that can be used for a variety of legitimate purposes, so that a person could access public transport, employment and educational settings, and

  (iii) ensure that the cost of any certification is accessible to those on low incomes.

Jonathon Duniam (Tasmania, Liberal Party, Assistant Minister for Forestry and Fisheries) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I seek leave to make a short statement.

Scott Ryan (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Leave is granted for one minute.

Jonathon Duniam (Tasmania, Liberal Party, Assistant Minister for Forestry and Fisheries) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The regulation of assistance animals is a state and territory responsibility. All jurisdictions agree there should be a more consistent approach regarding the wide range of assistance animals and supports available in Australia. Federal government officials are working with their state and territory government counterparts on the assistance animals working group to develop nationally consistent regulations and accreditation of assistance animals. The working group is undertaking a review of national legislation and supports in relation to assistance animals.

Question agreed to.