Atherton man wins anti-discrimination appeal

Geoff Skinner, from Atherton in far North Queensland, has again triumphed in his campaign for fair rights for thousands of Queenslanders who are blind or have low vision.

In an appeal against the 2011 tribunal decision, the Gold Coast property that refused Mr Skinner’s holiday booking because of his guide dog Gadget was ordered to pay the previously awarded $13,000 compensation, plus interest, to Mr Skinner.

“It took a long time for the tribunal to reach their decision,” says Mr Skinner. “And it has been frustrating that the appeal has made the wait even longer, but the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal has made the right decision and I am really happy with the outcome.”

The incident occurred in January 2010 and Mr Skinner immediately lodged a complaint under the Guide, Hearing and Assistance Dogs Act 2009. Six months later, a loophole in the Act, relating to accommodation, was discovered. 

In July of that year, and with ongoing support from Vision Australia’s advocacy services, a civil complaint was lodged with the Qld Anti-Discrimination Commission (under the Qld Anti-Discrimination Act, 1991) and, after repeated failed attempts at mediation, the case went to a hearing in August 2011.

 “I took the property to the  tribunal because I wanted to get the message out, that people who use guide or seeing eye dogs, have the same rights to enter privately owned rental or holiday accommodation as anyone else,” said Mr Skinner.

In addition to this civil action, Mr Skinner and advocacy staff at Vision Australia have approached the Queensland Government to amend the Guide, Hearing and Assistance Dogs Act 2009.

“The proposed change to legislation will make it an offence for any holiday or residential accommodation to refuse access to a person with a certified seeing eye, hearing or assistance dog,” says Liz Jeffrey, Advocacy Officer, at Vision Australia.

“Property owners will be faced with large fines if they fail to comply. Geoff’s tireless campaigning will make a huge difference in the lives of many other people who travel with seeing eye dogs,” she added.

The Queensland Parliament have yet to progress this amendment.