Media Contacts: Ben Ruse (Shorten) 0407 030 808
Jane Rowe (Neville) 0408 028 924
Media release
From the Commonwealth Parliamentary Secretary for Disabilities
and the
Victorian Minister for Community Services
Thursday, December 3
,
2009
National Companion Card launch means greater inclusion for people
with disability
Australians with severe disabilities will find it easier to attend sporting and cultural events without
paying for an extra ticket for their carer, after the launch of the National Companion Card in
Melbourne today.
Federal Parliamentary Secretary for Disabilities, Bill Shorten, and Victorian Minister for
Community Services, Lisa Neville, today launched
the National Companion Card as part of
celebrations for the International Day of People with Disability.
The National Companion Card Scheme is a culmination of years of work by Federal, State and
Territory governments to make it easier for people with disability to attend
sporting and
entertainment events across Australia.
“Some 32,000 card holders and their carer can now
enjoy increased participation in the
community,” Mr Shorten said.
“People with disability have the same right to get out and enjoy a concert or a football game as
the rest of the community, and this scheme removes one of the obstacles in their way.
“More than 2,700 businesses have thrown their support behind the Companion Card and their
collaboration is crucial to its success.
“To coincide with the national launch it is exciting that a number of big-name businesses have
joined, including
the AFL, Basketball Australia, Tennis Australia, the Australian Chamber
Orchestra, Reading Cinemas, Circus OZ, Fitness First Australia, Circus Royale, Event Cinemas
and the Australian Ballet,” Mr Shorten said.
“The Australian Government has invested $1.8 million
towards the Companion Card to enable
people with a disability to receive the same entitlements across all states and territories.
Ms Neville said Victoria had pioneered the Companion Card program and paved the way for the
introduction of the scheme to other states and territories.
“Since 2003, the Companion Card has been assisting eligible Victorians with disability to
participate in activities and events without being unfairly slugged the cost
of an extra ticket for
their attendant carer,” Ms Neville said.
Media Contacts: Ben Ruse (Shorten) 0407 030 808
Jane Rowe (Neville) 0408 028 924
“The Companion Card scheme, originally conceived as a part of the Government’s 10 year State
Disability Plan, which was launched in 2002.
“We can be proud that Victorian
innovation and leadership in this area has contributed to
improving the lives of so many people with disability across the country,” Ms Neville said
Mr Shorten said December 3rd was a day to celebrate and acknowledge the achievements and
contributions of people with disability, here and around the world.
“The International Day of People with Disability unites people around the world, promotes
inclusion and awareness of disability issues and highlights the contribution people with disability
make to their community locally, nationally and internationally,” Mr Shorten said.
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