I was previously told I don’t need to see a GP – why do I need to see one now?
Permit applications were managed by 79 councils and this led to a range of differences in application processes and outcomes, including variations in process for people with permanent disabilities. The APP Scheme has updated the questions GPs and OTs will use to asses eligibility against the scheme. Every applicant for a permit will need to be assessed at least once by a GP or OT using the new application process and criteria questions. GPs and OTs will have the ability in this new assessment process to categorise someone as having a permanent disability. This will mean they will no longer require a functional assessment to renew their permit.
I was previously eligible for a permit, but was not after applying for a renewal. Why?
As part of disability parking scheme update, clearer assessment questions were developed in consultation with medical practitioners to allow GPs and OTs to assess mobility issues against the criteria. This related to both space requirements to exit and enter vehicles and the impacts of walking distances may have on an applicant’s health. Previously questions were open to a broad interpretation. They are now more aligned with assessing against the scheme criteria.
I used to have a blue permit. Now it’s green. Why is this?
The allocation of Reserved Bay (Blue) and Double Time (Green) permits is determined by outcomes of a mobility assessment. As part of the disability parking scheme update, clearer assessment questions were developed to allow GPs and OTs to assess mobility issues against the criteria. This related to both space requirements to exit and enter vehicles and the impacts of walking distances may have on an applicant’s health. Based on this, the outcome of your application may result in you receiving a Green Double Time permit, rather than an Australian Disability Parking Permit (formerly known as the ‘blue permit’).
I am a parent of a disabled child, why can’t my partner and I have a permit for each car?
The conditions of use for an Accessible Parking Permit only allow for an individual to hold one permit. Permits are assigned to individuals, not vehicles. This was also a condition of the old scheme. It is recognised that this will create inconvenience and difficulties for some people who share responsibility for caring for someone with mobility issues. However, this needed to be weighed against the potential for permit misuse that can occur if an individual can be issued with multiple permits.
Why can’t I get a permit on-the-spot anymore?
Permit administration, printing and distribution is now managed through one central process, which does not require a visit to Council to process a form. Once your medical practitioner has undertaken your functional assessment it should take 10 to 15 days for your application outcome to arrive in the mail.
Why does my GP or OT not know the outcome of my assessment?
Your GP or OT will answer a range of questions that assess eligibility for a permit against the criteria. The answers to these questions determine your eligibility. Prior to the assessment outcome being known, Council will check your application against any know duplicate permits or previous cancelled permits. It is only after this assessment step is the outcome of your application determined and you are advised by mail.
Why can’t my GP or OT decide if I get a green or blue permit?
Permit type has always been determined by functional assessment against set criteria questions and not personal preference or request. GPs and OTs are required to answer criteria eligibility questions, the responses to which determine permit eligibility and permit type.