• Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (Cth) – “DDA”

• Section 9 defines when a person “has” an assistance animal (trained to assist and meeting hygiene/behaviour standards).

• Section 54A makes it unlawful to discriminate against a person because they have an assistance animal.

Assistance Animals are legally permitted in:

• Shops, cafés, restaurants, supermarkets

• Taxis, rideshare, buses, trains, planes (subject to operator rules)

• Public venues, events, and attractions

• Hotels, rentals, and other accommodation

• Any area open to the public or where the public is normally permitted

Important: Assistance Animals are not pets. They are trained working animals that perform tasks to reduce the impact of disability.

Staff may politely request evidence that:

• The animal is an assistance animal, and

• The animal is trained to meet hygiene and behaviour standards suitable for public places.

Evidence may include ID cards, handler documentation, or training/accreditation proof.

It is unlawful to:

• Refuse entry or service because of the assistance animal

• Charge extra fees

• Separate the handler from their animal

• Demand details about the person’s disability

Food service, “no pets” policies, or personal preferences do not override the law.

Refusal may only be lawful if you reasonably suspect:

• The animal has an infectious disease, and

• Refusal is reasonably necessary to protect public or animal health.

Temporary removal may also occur if the animal is out of control or poses a genuine safety risk.

Refusing access to an assistance animal team can result in complaints to the Australian Human Rights Commission and legal action under federal anti-discrimination law.

More information:

• Make a complaint – AHRC

• Disability Discrimination Act complaints

Disclaimer: This page provides general information only and is not legal advice. For questions, contact the Australian Human Rights Commission or your state/territory anti-discrimination agency.