Noosa 360

In response to concerns raised by local businesses about the practical application of assistance animal legislation, and the challenges businesses and frontline staff can face in navigating Queensland and Commonwealth laws, we recently addressed these concerns to the Office of the Minister for Families, Seniors and Disability Services.

In summary, the Minister’s office acknowledged there is currently some confusion arising from the interaction between Queensland’s Guide, Hearing and Assistance Dogs Act 2009 and the Commonwealth Disability Discrimination Act 1992, particularly as the obligations for businesses and service providers differ across the two jurisdictions.

The Office of the Minister for Families, Seniors and Disability Services has provided the following response in italics:

As part of the Government’s efforts to advocate for consistency across jurisdictions, Queensland has contributed to the development of the National Principles for the Regulation of Assistance Animals (the National Principles). A preliminary version of these National Principles was released by the Commonwealth for public consultation last year. These can be found at the following link: https://engage.dss.gov.au/assistance-animal-national-principles/.

The Government continues to work closely with the Commonwealth and other states and territories to progress the National Principles and continues to advocate for the alignment of legislation in this area to reduce confusion for all stakeholders.

You may also be interested to know that the Commonwealth is currently undertaking a review of the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (Cth). The first stage of consultation closed on Friday 14 November 2025, but there will be further opportunities for the public and stakeholders to participate as the review continues. Further information on this can be found online: https://www.ag.gov.au/rights-and-protections/human-rights-and-anti-discrimination/australias-anti-discrimination-law/review-disability-discrimination-act.

In relation to your query about the evidence that businesses or other duty-holders may request for public access under Queensland’s regulatory scheme, the department advises that dogs certified under the GHAD Act are easily recognisable through the harness or identifying coat displaying the GHAD badge. This badge (pictured) can only be displayed by dogs who are GHAD certified.

Additionally, any assistance dog handler who has public access rights under the GHAD Act must be able to produce a copy of their handler’s identity card, if requested, to exercise their right to access public places, public passenger vehicles and places of accommodation, while accompanied by their certified dog. Resources about the obligations under the GHAD Act can be accessed at: https://www.qld.gov.au/disability/out-and-about/ghad/resources  

Further information about the rights of people under the Anti-Discrimination Act 1991 (Qld) can also be provided by the Queensland Human Rights Commission (QHRC), via phone on 1300130670 or via email at enquiries@qhrc.qld.gov.au/. 

Similarly, you may also find it helpful to contact the Australian Human Rights Commission regarding any queries about rights under the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (Cth), via phone on 1300 656 419 or via email at infoservice@humanrights.gov.au.

While the response confirms the requirements that apply under Queensland’s GHAD framework, it does not fully resolve the concerns regarding businesses attempting to balance their obligations under both State and Commonwealth legislation. The Minister’s office has acknowledged this inconsistency and advised work is underway to improve national alignment.

As requested by local businesses, we have asked the Minister’s office whether any form of practical interim guidance can be provided by the State Government on how to navigate these challenges while the broader review of the Commonwealth Disability Discrimination Act 1992 continues.

We will continue to monitor developments and advocate for greater clarity and consistency and provide updates as appropriate.

We also encourage community organisations, businesses and assistance animal handlers to keep our office informed of their experiences, as this assists us in advocating for practical reforms and improved guidance on behalf of the Noosa community.

Further Information

Should you wish to advocate directly with the Minister responsible for this issue, you can contact:

The Minister for Families, Seniors and Disability Services at: families.services@ministerial.qld.gov.au

Please copy our office via noosa@parliament.qld.gov.au and forward any responses you receive.

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