From: Shields, Jenni 
Sent: Friday, 9 September 2005 11:23 AM
To: disabdis
Subject: Notice of exemption application: Australasian Railway
Association 

I would like to make a comment on this issue please.  

I am a person who has a hearing disability and needed to take my hearing dog to work with me on the regional train.  I had severe difficulties with safe passage for my dog against other passengers and also some conductors on the train.  After making complaints to Margo Dickie, Public Relations Officer, I have had no satisfaction and no longer use the trains but feel forced to drive to work every day at an ungodly hour just to get a carpark at a reasonable price.

Passengers are inclined to wriggle in their seats and drop things and kick their feet around which can all disturb a dog.  Guide dogs are accorded the right to sit in first class free of charge with their owners.  I was simply asking not for a free ticket but a FREE UPGRADE.  Margo Dickie informed me that it would be too costly.  With only approx. 400 hearing dogs Australia-wide, I don't see the problem as all I wanted was a safe place for my dog.

Yours sincerely

Jenni Shields