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Carer Business Discount Card Scheme
To recognise the valuable role carers play in the community, the Queensland Government has introduced the Carer Business Discount Card scheme. This new scheme builds on the existing Senior’s Card and Seniors Business Discount Card partnership between business and government.
With the support of the business community, carers can use their Carer Business Discount Card to obtain discounts and incentives from participating businesses.
About the Carer Business Discount Card Scheme
The Carer Business Discount Card is an initiative under the Queensland Government’s Carer Action Plan 2006-10.
Carers are friends, neighbours or family members who in some cases face demands that prevent them from participating in the paid workforce.
The Carer Business Discount Card is available to Queensland carers who receive the Centrelink Carer Payment or Centrelink Carer Allowance and is valid for four years from the date of issue, providing eligibility is maintained.
For Businesses
Businesses are invited to join with the Queensland Government in recognising the valuable and significant contribution carers make to the Queensland community. Visit the Department of Communities website
For Carers
Applying for a Carer Business Discount Card scheme is easy and free. Just check the cardholder agreement and then apply for a card. Visit the Department of Communities website
Publications and Resources
Publications and resources, including downloadable forms, available to carers and businesses. Visit the Department of Communities website
Contact Information
Contact information for carers and businesses for assistance or to provide feedback about the Carer Business Discount Card scheme. Visit the Department of Communities website
Companion Card Program
The Companion Card, referred to in the Queensland Government Carer Action Plan 2006-2010 as an access card, will be issued to a person with a disability who has a lifelong need for attendant care support to be able to participate at most community venues or activities.
The Companion Card will be presented by the person with a disability when they are booking or purchasing a ticket to demonstrate to businesses participating in the program that they require the assistance of a companion in order to attend that particular venue or activity. The participating business will recognise the Companion Card and issue the cardholder with a second ticket for their companion at no extra charge.
Business participation in the program is voluntary.
Cardholders can choose who they wish to have as their companion and this may vary depending on the activity and the occasion. A companion may be a paid or unpaid assistant or carer, friend or family member whose primary purpose is to provide attendant care support. To be eligible for a Companion Card, a person will need to be able to show:
The Companion Card Program already operates in Victoria, Western Australia, Tasmania and South Australia. Businesses participating in the program in these states will recognise the Queensland Companion Card which will provide significant advantage to Queensland cardholders when they are travelling interstate. Queensland based businesses already participating in the Victorian Companion Card Program include: Dreamworld, Seaworld, Movieworld and Wet 'n' Wild.
The Australian Government has also made a commitment for a national Companion Card scheme. This has the potential to enhance the program and bring more benefits to cardholders. Discussions between the Australian Government and states and territories are now underway.
The Companion Card will promote fair ticketing and improve social and recreational opportunities for people with a disability who have a lifelong need for attendant care. The Companion Card will also assist businesses support the rights of people with a disability by providing them with a simple and consistent method of recognising a person with a disability who genuinely requires the support of a companion.
The introduction of the Companion Card is being led by Disability Services Queensland in partnership with the Department of Communities.
It is anticipated that the Companion Card will become operational in early 2009.
Information about how to apply for a card will be posted on the Disability Services website as soon as it is available. In the interim, further queries about the Companion Card can be directed to Avril Alley, Project Manager, Policy, Research and Evaluation, Strategic Policy and Evaluation, Disability Services Queensland by phoning 07 3836 0496 or by emailing axalley@disability.qld.gov.au.
If you would like to be sent information about the Companion Card application process once the program is launched, please email your name and address to mxyoung@disability.qld.gov.au.
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