| Online state-wide application service |
No |
Yes. DoT has developed an online service based on the APP scheme.
The APP online service will be an online centralised system to manage
the permit application process and permit printing service and assist with enforcement.
Local councils to voluntarily sign up to use the APP online service.
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This change aims to reduce misuse.
- Rules will determine application outcomes.
- Human interpretation has been removed.
- Application outcomes cannot be changed once submitted.
- GPs/OTs cannot undertake second assessments if applicant not happy with the outcome.
This may result in a reduction in the number of Blue Permits issued.
|
| Eligibility criteria |
1. If a medical practitioner indicates that the permit
applicant has significant ambulatory disability such
that he/she is required to use a complex walking aid
that prevents access to a vehicle in a standard sized
parking bay, or he/she cannot access a vehicle in a
standard sized parking bay. *A complex walking aid
is defined as an aid which has more than one contact
point with the ground. |
1. A functional assessment by a medical practitioner
or occupational therapist determines that the person
has a significant mobility impairment such that they
are required to use a mobility aid or device and that
a parking bay (not designed for people with disabilities)
is insufficient in size to allow them access to and from
their vehicle; OR |
No broader change |
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2. If a medical practitioner certifies that the permit
applicant has either an acute or chronic illness in
which minimal walking may endanger his/her health
acutely or in the long-term. A significant permanent
ambulatory disability is a disability that is not likely
to improve in the person's lifespan. A significant
long-term ambulatory disability is a disability that is
not likely to improve within six months. |
2. A functional assessment by a medical practitioner or
occupational therapist determines that the person has
either an acute or chronic medical condition associated
with a mobility impairment such that minimal walking
(up to 100 metres) causes them to stop several times due
to any of the following - severe pain, extreme fatigue or
balance disturbance - which may endanger their health
acutely or in the long term; OR |
Some permit holders will move from an Accessible Permit to a Double Time permit. Others may lose it entirely. |
| |
3. If a specialist medical practitioner or a clinical
psychologist indicates that the applicant has a
significant intellectual disability such that he/she
is an extreme danger to himself/herself and others
in a public place without continuous attendance by
a caregiver. |
3. A medical practitioner assesses that, due to a significant
cognitive, behavioural or neurological impairment, the person is unable to independently mobilise safely without the continuous support of a person (or carer); OR |
Applications no longer assessed by a clinical psychologist. |
| |
4. A Medical Practitioner must confirm that an
individual has a significant ambulatory disability or severe illness which does not affect their ability to walk, however they require rest breaks when continuous walking is |
4. A person may be eligible for a Double Time permit
if a functional assessment by a medical practitioner or occupational therapist determines that the person has a significant mobility impairment or severe illness, which:
- does not affect their ability to walk more than 100 metres; AND
- does require regular rest breaks when continuous walking is undertaken; AND
- does mean the width of a parking bay (that are not designed for people with disabilities) is sufficient when getting into or out of the vehicle.
|
This may drive the increase in Double Time permits. |
| Person undertaking functional assessment |
A medical practitioner.
In case of eligibility criteria relating to intellectual disability (#3) – specialist medical practitioner or clinical psychologist only.
|
A medical practitioner or occupational therapist.
In case of eligibility criteria relating to cognitive, behavioural or neurological condition (#3) - medical practitioner only. Note medical practitioner can include specialist medical practitioners such as psychiatrists.
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OTs can now complete functional assessments for clients.
Clinical psychologists are not permitted to complete assessments for clients. |
| Permit design |
Design template for both the Category 1 (blue) and Category 2 (green) permits provided in the Code as Appendix A. Each individual council is responsible for developing its own permits based on these design templates. |
Design template for ADPS permit and PX2 permit provided in the Code as Attachment A. ADPS permit design aligns with the national ADPS template. Both permit templates require specific design features to reduce misuse.
If councils choose to onboard to the APP online service, both permits will be printed as part of that service.
If councils choose not to onboard to the APP online service, they will need to develop their own design based on the design template.
|
Design of ADPS permit aligns with all other Australian states. |
| Permit duration |
TEMPORARY
6 months for a significant long-term ambulatory disability.
LONG TERM
3 years for a significant permanent ambulatory or intellectual disability
ORGANISATION
12 months
|
SHORT TERM
Short-term permits can be issued for a duration of 6 months, 12 months or two years.
LONG TERM
Long-term permits are issued for a duration of 5 years in line with the ADPS.
ORGANISATION
A maximum of 12 months.
|
Increased permit durations.
More flexibility for GPs/OTs to provide short-term permits.
|
| Permit application form |
Sample application form provided in the Code as Appendix B. Each individual council responsible for developing its own permit application based on this sample application form- usually paper based. |
No sample application form provided in the Code.
If councils choose to onboard to the APP online service, then applicants will apply via the online service. Medical practitioners will complete the assessment questions online. A paper-based application can be used by applicants without mobile phone or internet. The responses to the questions will be data-entered into the system by council officers.
If councils choose not to onboard to the APP online service, then they will need to create their own application form, including assessment section, based on information in the Code.
|
If council opts not to use APP online service, the systems paper form can provide example to councils on how to develop the form. |
| Permit application process |
Applicant completes hard copy application form provided by their local council.
Medical practitioner completes medical section of hard copy application form. Greater subjectivity in how the questions are answered.
Council makes decision on the application.
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If councils choose to onboard to the APP online service, the applicant will complete a self-assessment on their eligibility, complete the personal questions and then go to their medical practitioner/OT for assessment. Medical practitioner/OT responds to a series of questions online which the backend system will analyse and determine an outcome. Council then confirms the outcome after checking for existing or cancelled permits.
If councils choose not to onboard to the APP online service, then council will have to develop their own process and forms (including assessment questions) in line with the Code.
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Where councils onboard to the APP online service:
- Applicants do not need to interact with council customer service to apply.
- GPs complete an online series of questions.
- Applications immediately move from the GP to council and from council to the mail house.
The time to get a permit will be longer for some councils and shorter for others. Councils that processed permits on the spot will no longer be able to do so.
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| Name changes |
Code for the Disabled Persons Parking Scheme
Category 1 / Blue permit
Category 2 / Green permit
|
Code for the Disabled Persons Parking Scheme to be referred to as Accessible Parking Permit Scheme (2020)
Australian Disability Parking (ADP) permit
Double Time (PX2) permit
|
Name change aligns with national Scheme. |
| Renewal process for permanently disabled persons |
Usual renewal process every 3 years |
If a permit holder has been functionally assessed by their medical practitioner or occupational therapist as having a ‘permanent medical condition or permanent disability impacting on mobility’, they can renew their permit after 5 years without having to undergo another functional assessment. |
Provides dignity to people with permanent disabilities – no longer have to continually prove they have a permanent mobility impairment. |
| Number of permits issued per eligible person |
One. However, this could not be monitored or regulated effectively. |
One. If all councils sign up to use the APP online service, it will be easier to ensure an individual is only issued with one permit. |
Reduction in misuse. |
| Disputed eligibility |
Code outlines that a Council must consult its Medical Officer of Health, the applicant's medical practitioner, specialist medical practitioner or clinical psychologist in the event of Council disputing an applicant's eligibility for a permit. When an applicant is refused a permit, Council must give reasons for its decision in writing and reconsider the application if the applicant seeks a second opinion from another medical practitioner, specialist medical practitioner or clinical psychologist. |
Code outlines that if an applicant disputes the outcome of their application and seeks to have their application reviewed, they may contact their local council for a review of the decision.
Where applicable, an applicant may submit a second application to their local council where an assessment is undertaken by a different medical practitioner or occupational therapist in line with the eligibility criteria.
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Applicant or council may request the Department of Transport review the application.
VicRoads/DoT role may be to review and provide a recommendation back to council in relation to the disputed eligibility request.
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| Permit Conditions of Use |
Not included in Code.
Each individual council developed their own.
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Included in Code as Attachment B.
All councils to use these and provide them to permit holders.
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To provide a uniform set of conditions across all councils. |