The NSW Government has listened to calls from disability groups to raise the fine, which has been $300 since the regulation came into effect in November 2017. The offence will now carry a maximum court penalty of $3,300.
While majority of drivers do the right thing, the small minority breaking the rules are being reminded that traveling with assistance animals is a legal right, allowing the community to travel with freedom, safety and convenience.
According to surveys conducted by Guide Dogs NSW, rideshare is the mode of transport where guide dog handlers face the most challenges, including allegations of refusals and discrimination.
The increase means the fine for assistance animal refusal is consistent with other fare-related offences, sending a clear message to stop this harmful behaviour, which greatly compromises the safety of vulnerable members of the community.
The change reflects the NSW Government’s focus on working towards more inclusive point-to-point transport.
For more information visit pointtopoint.nsw.gov.au/assistanceanimals.
Transport Minister Jo Haylen said:
“It’s heartbreaking to hear stories of refusals, discrimination and even ridicule. It should go without saying that Guide Dog handlers deserve to be treated with the utmost respect, and should never be left out in the cold when it comes to getting from A to B.
“There are around 300 working guide dogs in NSW, and they are not an optional extra. They play an essential role in assisting community members with low vision and blindness move around our state.
“Owners have every legal right to travel with their guide dogs, and these increased fines will help us enforce that.
“This is a critical safety issue. Assistance animals are highly trained and come in all shapes, sizes and breeds. There is no excuse for a driver refusing them.”
Point to Point Transport Commissioner Anthony Wing said:
“Drivers – whether rideshare or taxi – must not refuse to carry an assistance animal or an assistance animal in training.
“My team has also developed training materials for the industry to use with their drivers to ensure they understand their legal obligations and the important role they play.
“We are also continuing to work with people with disability, disability groups and the industry to ensure handlers who experience assistance animal refusals can easily report their complaint and have it appropriately actioned.”
Guide Dogs NSW/ACT General Manager Tamara Searant said:
"We are hearing devastating stories of our community experiencing this discrimination on a daily basis.
"Ensuring the fine for drivers refusing assistance animals is adequate, and applied to offending drivers, is a positive first step in addressing this issue.
"The next step will be to consider mandatory reporting, so Guide Dog Handlers know that their complaints are being addressed and recorded.”
