Free disability parking permits expand access after recent rule change
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There’s positive news for people living with disabilities and their families, with a new change set to offer some relief.
Authorities have confirmed that certain residents will soon be able to access essential permits without extra cost.
The decision aims to ease financial pressures for many households. For those affected, this small change could make daily life just a bit more accessible.
If you or a loved one relies on a disability parking permit, you’ll know that every little saving counts.
Previously, each application for a permit came with a $19.75 fee.
With more than 3,000 new applications processed every month, that’s nearly $60,000 in collective savings for Queenslanders, money that can now be put towards other essentials.
But the good news doesn’t stop there. Later this year, eligible individuals and families will be able to hold up to three permits at no cost.
This is a game-changer for families juggling multiple vehicles or carers who need to transport someone with a disability in different cars.
No more frantic searches for the permit before the school run or medical appointment, each car can have its own, making life that much simpler.
Currently, around 245,000 disability parking permits are held by 225,000 individuals and 1,500 organisations in Queensland.
That’s a significant portion of the community that stands to benefit from these changes.
Brent Mickelberg, Minister for Transport and Main Roads, says the move is part of the government’s broader commitment to easing cost-of-living pressures, especially for the state’s most vulnerable.
'The Crisafulli Government is delivering cost-of-living measures and reforms to better reflect the real-world needs of Queenslanders, especially those living with disability,' he said.
Minister for Families, Seniors and Disability Services, Amanda Camm, echoed this sentiment, highlighting that the change was made in direct response to feedback from the community.
'We have heard from the sector and from people living with disabilities about the impact this cost was placing on them, and we have acted,' she said.
If you’ve ever tried to keep track of a disability parking permit while managing the chaos of school pick-ups, medical appointments, and daily errands, you’ll know how easy it is for a permit to go missing or be left in the wrong car.
By allowing up to three permits per eligible person or family, the government is removing a small but significant source of stress.
As Minister Mickelberg put it, 'Parents understand how challenging it can be to keep track of school essentials like hats, let alone a disability parking permit.
This change ensures that families no longer need to transfer disability parking permits between cars when managing school pick-ups.'
While removing the permit fee might seem like a small change, it’s a meaningful step towards greater accessibility and inclusion for people with disabilities.
It also reminds us that sometimes, the most impactful reforms are the ones that make everyday life just a little bit easier.
The new arrangements are set to roll out later this year, so keep an eye out for updates from the Queensland Government or your local Department of Transport and Main Roads office.
If you’re already a permit holder, you’ll be able to apply for additional permits at no cost once the changes come into effect.
If you or someone you care for is eligible for a disability parking permit, the application process is straightforward.
You’ll need to provide medical evidence of your eligibility, and you can apply online or in person at a Department of Transport and Main Roads customer service centre.
With the new changes, you won’t have to worry about the application fee, making the process even more accessible.
Do you or someone you know use a disability parking permit? Will these changes make a difference to your daily life? What other small changes would you like to see to make life easier for Queenslanders living with disabilities? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.
Read more: 'It won't happen again': Citizens call out public official after breaking car park rules
Authorities have confirmed that certain residents will soon be able to access essential permits without extra cost.
The decision aims to ease financial pressures for many households. For those affected, this small change could make daily life just a bit more accessible.
If you or a loved one relies on a disability parking permit, you’ll know that every little saving counts.
Previously, each application for a permit came with a $19.75 fee.
With more than 3,000 new applications processed every month, that’s nearly $60,000 in collective savings for Queenslanders, money that can now be put towards other essentials.
Eligible Queenslanders no longer pay a fee for disability parking permits, saving thousands each month. Credit: Depositphotos
But the good news doesn’t stop there. Later this year, eligible individuals and families will be able to hold up to three permits at no cost.
This is a game-changer for families juggling multiple vehicles or carers who need to transport someone with a disability in different cars.
No more frantic searches for the permit before the school run or medical appointment, each car can have its own, making life that much simpler.
Currently, around 245,000 disability parking permits are held by 225,000 individuals and 1,500 organisations in Queensland.
That’s a significant portion of the community that stands to benefit from these changes.
Brent Mickelberg, Minister for Transport and Main Roads, says the move is part of the government’s broader commitment to easing cost-of-living pressures, especially for the state’s most vulnerable.
'The Crisafulli Government is delivering cost-of-living measures and reforms to better reflect the real-world needs of Queenslanders, especially those living with disability,' he said.
Minister for Families, Seniors and Disability Services, Amanda Camm, echoed this sentiment, highlighting that the change was made in direct response to feedback from the community.
'We have heard from the sector and from people living with disabilities about the impact this cost was placing on them, and we have acted,' she said.
By allowing up to three permits per eligible person or family, the government is removing a small but significant source of stress.
As Minister Mickelberg put it, 'Parents understand how challenging it can be to keep track of school essentials like hats, let alone a disability parking permit.
This change ensures that families no longer need to transfer disability parking permits between cars when managing school pick-ups.'
While removing the permit fee might seem like a small change, it’s a meaningful step towards greater accessibility and inclusion for people with disabilities.
It also reminds us that sometimes, the most impactful reforms are the ones that make everyday life just a little bit easier.
If you’re already a permit holder, you’ll be able to apply for additional permits at no cost once the changes come into effect.
If you or someone you care for is eligible for a disability parking permit, the application process is straightforward.
You’ll need to provide medical evidence of your eligibility, and you can apply online or in person at a Department of Transport and Main Roads customer service centre.
With the new changes, you won’t have to worry about the application fee, making the process even more accessible.
Read more: 'It won't happen again': Citizens call out public official after breaking car park rules
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