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ARTICLE · 06 JULY 2025

Assistance Animals - Know a handler's rights!

McCarthy Durie Lawyers
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It's important that businesses know a handler's rights so to not discriminate against the handler.

AustraliaCorporate/Commercial Law
Madeleine Harling
Madeleine Harling
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Assistance animals are a key part of everyday living for their handlers, as they provide independence, confidence, and connection for people with disability—supporting not just physical tasks, but emotional wellbeing, social participation and safety. Accordingly, it's important that businesses know a handler's rights so to not discriminate against the handler.

There was recently a consultation paper open to the public which closed on 1 June 2025, to comment on the draft National Principles for the Regulation of Assistance Animals, which aims to provide consistency across Australia.

For clarity, in Queensland it is unlawful under the Guide, Hearing and Assistance Dogs Act 2009 to refuse entry or access to:

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