In one case,an interstate resident was denied an exemption to enter Queensland to retrieve a specially trained assistance dog during a border closure.
The woman planned to visit Queensland to pick up her assistance dog,with her mother and her carer,during a period of border closures.
She was granted an exemption to enter Queensland,where she agreed to isolate for 14 days and then spend a week receiving placement of the dog.
However,when she tried to arrange for accessible quarantine accommodation,she was told her needs could not be met and her exemption approval was withdrawn.
The assistance dog was trained specifically for the daughter’s needs,at substantial cost,and the family was concerned she would lose the dog allocated to her if she was unable to visit Queensland.
The woman made a complaint under the Human Rights Act and through early intervention the parties negotiated for the exemption to enter Queensland to be re-approved,with Queensland Health organising suitable accommodation for the woman,her mother and carer to complete 14 days in hotel quarantine.
In another case,a pregnant woman asked for an exemption to wearing a mask at an upcoming appointment at a hospital due to a background of trauma as having her mouth covered caused claustrophobia and panic attacks.