Disabled parking faces wider permit eligibility

THE State Government is looking at expanding the eligibility for disabled parking permits to include the vision impaired and possibly people with intellectual and psychiatric disabilities.

Transport Minister Mark Bailey has asked department officials to review the current scheme for granting disability permits, which focuses only on an applicant’s ability to walk.

More than 3000 people have collectively signed two petitions sponsored by LNP MP David Batt requesting Mr Bailey open the system to a range of disabilities including vision, intellectual, psychiatric, cognitive and sensory impairment.

A national review of disability permit schemes in 2010 designed to create a more consistent system for the estimated 900,000 disability parking permit holders across Australia limited the criteria to a functional ability to walk. Trish Jackson, who was born without arms after her mother took the morning-sickness drug thalidomide while pregnant, said she had to fight and campaign to get her disability recognised for a permit.

“I didn’t fit into their criteria because I didn’t have any arms so couldn’t use crutches or a walker, and I also have a heart disease,” she said.

She said authorities needed to hear the “lived experiences” of people with disabilities.

“When you don’t have a disability you don’t realise what it’s like to be in pain 24/7,” she said. “Just a few extra steps is hard work and if you can just park closer to the door it makes a world of difference.”

RACQ head of technical and safety policy Steve Spalding said it was time to have another look at the scheme.

This review is due to be finalised in mid-2019.