The ME/CFS Society of NSW Inc.

The proposed Australian Disability Parking Scheme seeks to harmonise various state and local level disability parking arrangements at a federal level. The Society believes that while harmonisation of different schemes into one scheme is a positive move, there are several disadvantages to the proposal for people with invisible illnesses or disabilities such as ME/CFS.

The scheme's criteria explicitly exclude people who rely only on a walking stick (as opposed to those who rely on wheel chairs) and does not adequately address the needs of people with chronic illnesses as these are often invisible to onlookers.

The Society will be making a submission outling our concerns, as will committee members and a number of staff members who use NSW mobility parking permits. We urge all members to make their own submission so that the voice of people with invisible disabilities can be heard.

For more information, download the discussion paper outlining the proposal from The Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs or call 1800 630 740. Remember to make a submission and ask your family and friends to send one as well so that our voice can be heard. Submissions close 31st of July.