Premier & Cabinet

Type:
Premier's Memorandum
Identifier:
M2009-16
Status:
Archived

M2009-16 Agency Recognition of the NSW Companion Card

Description

Launched on 28 March 2009, the NSW Companion Card assists people with a significant and permanent disability, who require attendant care for the rest of their lives, to participate in community activities and events without discrimination.

The Companion Card has a photograph of the cardholder and can be presented at participating venues when booking or purchasing a ticket, provided the cardholder requires attendant care support in order to participate in that particular activity. On presentation of the Card the participating venue or service will issue the cardholder with a second ticket for their companion at no charge.

The Companion Card assists people with a disability by:

  • removing barriers to participation in community life, and providing a practical and consistent approach to building a more inclusive society;
  • supporting and encouraging voluntary relationships and friendships and reducing reliance on formal disability supports; and
  • promoting the right of people with a disability who require a companion to fair ticketing, and reducing the financial burden associated with admission costs.  

Detailed Outline

Who is eligible for a Companion Card?
 
The Companion Card is issued by the National Disability Service to residents of NSW with a significant and permanent disability. Cards are only issued to people who are unable to participate in most community based activities without considerable assistance with mobility, communication, self care, planning and where the use of aids and other technologies does not meet those needs.
 
Participating organisations
 
Participation by non-government organisations and the private sector is on a voluntary basis. I am, however, pleased to advise that more than 340 organisations have affiliated with the program across the government, non-government and private sectors and I anticipate this number will grow as organisations become aware of the way in which the Companion Card is assisting the severely disabled to actively participate in community life. Government agencies that have already affiliated with the Companion Card program include organisations such as NSW Public Transport, the Sydney Opera House, NSW Sport and Recreation operated fitness centres, Historic Houses Trust and the Australian Museum. To further demonstrate the Government's support for people with severe disabilities in our communities I encourage government agencies involved in the facilitation of sport, community activities and events, that might attract Companion Card holders, to consider affiliating with the Companion Card program.
 
The National Disability Service, funded by the Department of Ageing, Disability and Home Care, is administering the Companion Card program. In order to affiliate with the Companion Card Program please contact Mr Jeff Tonge on 02 9256 3152 or 1800 893 044 or email to [email protected]. Thank you for your assistance on this matter.
 
Nathan Rees
Premier
 

Overview

Who needs to know and/or comply with this?

Departments
Executive agencies related to Departments
Separate agencies
Councils under the Local Government Act
Universities

Compliance

Not Mandatory

AR Details

Date Issued
Jul 15, 2009
Review Date
Dec 31, 2014
Replaces
Replaced By

Contacts

Contact
Contact us
Phone
02 9228 5555
Publishing Entity
Department of Premier and Cabinet
Issuing Entity
Premier