As a Like Family carer, you might need to help a member get to appointments or run errands. If you're transporting a member who has a disability parking permit, you're able to use their permit on your vehicle during your booking.
Here's what you need to know to use disability parking permits correctly and confidently.
What you need to know about disability parking permits
Australian disability parking permits are recognised nationally, giving holders important parking concessions that make getting around easier. When you're providing transport to a member as part of your booking, you can display their permit on your vehicle.
No matter which state you're in, these permits open up two key possibilities: parking in designated disability spaces (marked with the international symbol of access), and parking longer than usual in metered, government-managed spaces. How much longer will depend on where you are in Australia, which we'll explore below.
Importantly, though, the permit can only be displayed when you're actually transporting the member it was issued to. Make sure it's clearly visible from outside the vehicle, with the permit number and expiry date easy to see.
State-by-state: What happens in your area
Different states offer different concessions, so it's worth knowing what applies in your area.
New South Wales
NSW carers can enjoy some of the most generous concessions. If you're in metered or ticket parking areas managed by the council or on-street, you can park for free.
Time-limited spaces become much more flexible, too. When you see a sign showing more than 30 minutes, you can park as long as you need. With a 30-minute parking sign, you will have up to two hours. Even those ultra-short limits of less than 30 minutes extend to a full half hour with the disability permit.
There's also a practical concession for No Parking zones. While you can't leave the vehicle there, you can stop for up to five minutes to help your member in or out of the car, or to load and unload their belongings. You must stay within three metres of the vehicle during this time, though.
Private car parks operate differently. The permit won't give you free parking or extended time in places like shopping centres with boom gates. You'll still need to pay any fees and follow time limits, though you can absolutely use the designated disability spaces.
Victoria
Victoria keeps things straightforward. You can park in accessible bays for whatever time is shown on the sign, or use standard parking bays for double the displayed time limit.
What you can't do is park in restricted areas like Clearways, No Stopping or No Parking zones, Taxi areas, Bus Zones, or spots reserved for residents. The permit also doesn't provide free parking, where fees normally apply.
Queensland
Queensland takes a generous approach to on-street parking. Permit holders can park for free at any on-street metered or regulated parking area. The time extensions are straightforward: if the posted limit is less than 30 minutes, you can stay for up to 30 minutes. If it's 30 minutes or more, you can stay as long as needed. And naturally, you can use any on-street or off-street disability bays marked with the international symbol.
South Australia
South Australia extends time limits in a graduated way based on what's posted. Signs showing less than 30 minutes, give you 30 minutes. If the limit is between 30 minutes and an hour, you get two hours. And for anything over an hour, you can stay for double the posted time. This makes it easy to calculate how long you can support your member during your visit.
Getting it right
If you intend to use your member’s disability parking permit, you must use it correctly.
Only display the permit when the member is actually in the vehicle or when you're in the process of picking them up or dropping them off.
Position it clearly so the number and expiry date can be seen from outside, which helps avoid any confusion with parking officers.
It's worth checking the expiry date before you head out, and taking a moment to familiarise yourself with the specific rules in your state will make each outing smoother and more confident.
Need More Details?
For comprehensive information about disability parking in your state, see these official resources:
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Remember: Using a disability parking permit correctly isn't just about following the rules, it's about ensuring your member has the dignity, comfort, and accessibility they deserve when getting around their community. If you're ever unsure, don't hesitate to ask the Member or check with your local council.
Do you have questions about supporting members with mobility needs? We're here to help.
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