State Budget 2013-14: Free ACROD parking permits: Directly helping over 67,000 West Australians with a disability

People who require an ACROD parking permit will no longer need to pay a fee because of a State Government commitment of $3.

  • WA to provide $3.7m over four years for ACROD parking permits

  • Funding provides free parking permits

  • Over the past four years since 2008-09, funding to the Disability Services Commission has increased by 83.6%

People who require an ACROD parking permit will no longer need to pay a fee because of a State Government commitment of $3.7million.

More than 67,000 West Australians will receive the free permits, which will be available from December 1.

ACROD parking bays near building entrances are wider and longer, catering for wheelchairs, walking frames and cars with rear-mounted wheelchair lifts.

Disability Services Minister Helen Morton said the State Government recognised the growing demand for such parking bays, with about 1,000 new applications per month.

"It is part of our commitment to help people in our community to have safe access to shops, parks, community centres and the like," Mrs Morton said.

"Providing free access means people can stay mobile and connected with their community."

The ACROD Parking Program, administered by National Disability Services (WA), has operated in Western Australia for more than 25 years.

"This funding is a great outcome. Providing access to these parking bays makes it easier to participate in community life," Mrs Morton said. 

"This funding supports the Government's Count Me In vision for us all to live in welcoming communities that encourage citizenship, friendship, mutual support and a fair go."

Over the past four years since 2008-09, funding to the Disability Services Commission from the State Government has increased by 83.6%.

In 2013-14, an additional $20million will be provided to not-for-profit disability service providers as part of the State Government's $604million commitment to building the capacity of the community sector.

        Fact file

  • Over the past four years since 2008-09, funding to the Disability Services Commission has increased by 83.6%

  • In 2013-14 an additional $20million will be provided to not-for-profit disability service providers as part of a $604million commitment to build the capacity of community sector

  • In 2013-14 an additional $14.4million will be provided for housing for people with disability as part of a $95.7million commitment to social housing

  • For more about ACROD parking and eligibility for a permit visit http://www.app.org.au/  

  • WA Budget statements are available at http://ourstatebudget.wa.gov.au/ 

Minister's office - 6552 6900