Page 550 - Week 02 - Wednesday, 19 February 2020
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In conversations with the minister’s office about my motion, it would seem there is a review of current regulations happening. That review is important and certainly not before time. I hope that it addresses the myriad of differences in fees, times and rules. In preparing for this motion, my office had numerous discussions with Minister Gentleman’s office. We were assured that the government would be updating public information for mobility parking permit holders, their carers and the community on the use of accessible spaces. It is important to address the frustration and uncertainty surrounding disability parking in the territory, and I look forward to seeing this roll out soon.
One issue that has been a consistent irritant for both government and the disability community is the illegal use of mobility permits. I am sure that all members have complaints made to them from constituents who believe people are abusing disability parking arrangements. A replacement permit is relatively easy to apply for if you have lost yours, and there is evidence that there are more mobility parking permits in circulation than would appear to be appropriate. But, of course, catching those people who are breaking the rules requires constant surveillance.
The ACT government has raised this as an issue and also recognises the difficulty in ensuring that disability spaces are only used by those who are eligible to use them. In the 2017-18 budget, money was allocated to increase the inspection of such car spaces, and it had some effect. In June 2019 it was reported that 272 infringements were issued to drivers in just one month—15 February to 15 March 2019 inclusive—for using lost, stolen or invalid disability parking permits, with an additional 307 infringements issued up to 15 June 2019.
Access Canberra’s director of parking operations and traffic camera compliance, Chris Seddon, said at the time that technology now allowed parking inspectors to interrogate data while on patrol and check for the use of invalid disability permits or those that have been reported lost or stolen. I acknowledge that scrutiny, and my motion calls for that work to continue.
On this point, I acknowledge, of course, that there needs to be more public awareness about the appropriate and genuine use of disability parking permits. Just because someone may not look as though they need a disability parking permit does not mean that they do not have a genuine need for it. Whilst it is good that members of our community are on alert to make sure that people are not using these permits illegally, it is also important to be aware that, in the case of disability permit use, there is more than meets the eye.
I am advised that the government is undertaking this review at the present time and intends to report to the Assembly by the end of June on the various actions that we have called for in my motion. On such an important issue, which has an enormous impact on many in our disability community, it is appropriate that we have support from across the entire chamber. Until about an hour ago, that is what we had.
Unfortunately, I have only just been informed that the government will be moving an amendment to remove paragraph 1(f) of my motion and that, not surprisingly, the
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