Companion Card
A Companion Card is issued to a person with a disability who has a lifelong need for attendant care support in order to participate in community activities and attend venues.
Many Queenslanders have a profound or severe disability that directly impacts on their ability to participate in everyday activities. For some, the cost associated with ongoing care becomes a further barrier to participating in community life.
People with a disability who need the support of an attendant in order to participate in activities can sometimes be required to pay two admission fees – one for themselves and another for their companion.
When purchasing a ticket to an event or activity at an affiliated business, Companion Card holders are issued with a second ticket for their chosen companion at no charge. Organisations affiliated with the program absorb the costs associated with the Companion Ticket.
The introduction of the Companion Card program is being led by Disability Services Queensland in partnership with the Department of Communities. The Companion Card is endorsed by the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission and the Anti-Discrimination Commission Queensland.
Cardholders
People with a disability will be able to apply for a card in early 2009.
The Companion Card will be issued to Queensland residents with a disability who demonstrate that:
- due to the impact of their disability, are unable to participate at most community venues or activities without attendant care support
- the level of support is lifelong or likely to be lifelong
Applicants must complete a form, including medical information and verification by a service provider or registered health professional of the need for lifelong attendant care support.
Affiliated businesses can be confident that the need for a companion is genuine, as applicants undergo rigorous assessment. The card displays a photograph and other security features to prevent misuse.
You may register your interest in receiving information about the Companion Card application process once the program is launched by providing your name and contact details. Details of the applicant’s attendant care support needs are not required at this stage.
Card Services
- cardservices@smartservice.qld.gov.au
- Phone
- 13 13 04 (Monday to Friday, 8am – 6pm)
Attendant Care Support
Attendant care support includes substantial assistance with mobility, communication, self-care, learning and planning, where the use of aids and equipment do not allow the cardholder to carry out these tasks. It does not include the companion providing only social company, reassurance or encouragement.
The companion providing attendant care support may be a paid or unpaid carer, friend or family member.
If you are a carer, you may eligible for the Carer Business Discount Card which provides discounts and special offers on a wide range of goods and services.
Business affiliates
The Companion Card program is an easy way for organisations to promote social inclusion for people with a disability and support carers in their role.
The program currently operates in Victoria, Western Australia, Tasmania and South Australia and cardholders are entitled to use their card at affiliated venues and activities in any participating state or territory.
The success of the program relies on strong support from the business sector. Affiliation with the program is voluntary and offers several benefits, including:
- Providing a simple, consistent and reliable method of recognising people with a disability who require attendant care support to participate in community activities and attend venues
- Assisting organisations to comply with obligations under anti-discrimination legislation
- Presenting a positive image of your business publicly
Affiliates are provided with promotional materials to show their support for the program. Details of affiliates are also published online, making it easy for cardholders to locate venues and activities where the card is accepted.
Businesses can now register their interest in the Companion Card program by contacting:
Card Services
- cardservices@smartservice.qld.gov.au
- Phone
- 13 13 04 (Monday to Friday, 8am – 6pm)
Nominating a business
Members of the public are also invited to register the details of businesses they would like to see participating in the program. These businesses will then be invited to join the program.
Background
The Queensland Government Carer Recognition Policy 2003 formally recognises the significant role of Queensland carers in the community. The Queensland Government Carer Action Plan 2006-2010 translates this policy into a series of actions to be implemented over the next four years.
One of the key initiatives emerging from the Carer Action Plan is the introduction of two new cards - the Carer Business Discount Card (launched in July 2008) and the Companion Card. The Queensland Government has committed $6M over four years for Disability Services Queensland and the Department of Communities to develop and administer these cards.
The Australian Government has also made a commitment for a national Companion Card scheme. This has the potential to enhance the program and bring more benefits to cardholders. Discussions between the Australian Government and states and territories are now underway.
More information
Enquiries about the Companion Card project can be directed to:
Avril Alley
- Position:
- Project Manager
- Policy, Research and Evaluation
- axalley@disability.qld.gov.au
- Phone
- 3836 0496
Last updated September 2008