News

Fine hike for refusals of people with Guide Dogs

A positive first step has been taken to stop rideshare services from refusing people with Guide Dogs. Many people with low vision or blindness rely on these services, and despite it being illegal to deny them, refusal reports are still too high.

Thanks to the advocacy work from our community, the fine for refusing a Handler and their Guide Dog will increase from $300 to a maximum of $3,300. The transport minister thanked Guide Dogs NSW/ACT for our advocacy work on this matter and views these increased fines as a “Way of enforcing every Handler’s legal right to travel with their Guide Dogs.”

Thank you to those who join us in spreading awareness in the community on this issue. Our next steps will be focused on mandatory reporting as our General Manager, Social Change, Tamara Searant stated, so “Handlers know their complaints are being recorded and addressed.”