State Member for Toowoomba North, Kerry Shine is encouraging Queenslanders to celebrate International Guide Dog Day on Wednesday 28 April. Mr Shine said Guide Dogs Queensland, which turns 50 this year, was a local icon worthy of all Queenslanders’ support.
“The guide dogs trained by Guide Dogs Queensland make an enormous difference to the quality of life of people with a sight disability. “These dogs help thousands of vision-impaired Queenslanders to remain active in their communities and live independently.”
“The Bligh Government recognises the great job Guide Dogs Queensland has done over five decades, and look forward to working with them for the next five decades.”
Mr Shine went on to say the Bligh Government was committed to stamping out discrimination against people who rely on guide dogs.
“Tough new penalties came into force last year for anyone refusing service to people with a disability because they have a guide dog,” he said. “These include fines of up to $10,000 for individuals, and up to $50,000 for businesses that don’t do the right thing. We want to send out a very clear message that discrimination against people with guide dogs is not on and anyone who refuses service to people with a guide dog will face the full force of the law”.
Further Information:
Phone: 4638 5755 Fax: 4638 4056 Email: toowoomba.north@parliament.qld.gov.au
