On 22 March 2021, Victoria adopted a new Accessible Parking Permit Scheme and online administration system managed by Department of Transport and Planning (DTP).

This means that residents and organisations who require a New Permit, Permit Renewal or Permit Replacement will need to apply via the new application process.

The new Scheme and online system will streamline the application process, making it easier, simpler and more consistent across Victoria. The new permit also will better align with the COAG 2010 Australian Disability Parking Permit Scheme.

There are two new types of permits available under the Accessible Parking Permit Scheme:

• Australian Disability Parking Permit – for parking in a disabled person parking bay or an ordinary parking bay for twice the time limit specified
• Victorian Double Time Accessible Parking Permit – only allows for parking in an ordinary parking bay for twice the time limit specified.

Accessible Parking Permit Scheme Improvements

The Scheme will provide the following improvements:

• Temporary permits will be available for 6, 12 or 24 month periods
• Permanent permits will be valid for five years rather than 3 years
• The introduction of a permanent disability classification, so reassessments are not required for future permit renewals
• A new single and secure state-wide permit design that will reduce the misuse of permits
• The inclusion of occupational therapists as assessors, in addition to GPs
• Permits for organisations will continue to be available for 12 month periods.

How the Changes Will Affect Individual and Organisation Applicants

• Applicants will need to apply online for a New Permit, Permit Renewal or Permit Replacement
• Applicants will be required to visit a GP or Occupational Therapist for the initial permit. If the applicant has a permanent disability, they will not need to have a medical assessment for future permits
• Permits will be issued for five years rather for individuals and 12 months for organisations
• Only one permit will be issued per individual applicant
• An application may be declined by Council due to duplicate permits issued in the same name, a record of prior misuse or conflicting functional assessments
• There is no need to rush. A current permit can be used until the expiry date or 30 June 2023, whichever comes first.

GPs and Occupational Therapists Role

• A GP or Occupational Therapist can either initiate an application for a patient or complete an application already begun online by your patient
• Participating GPs and Occupational Therapists will need to have AHPRA registration
• GPs or Occupational Therapists not receive the results of the functional assessment. The results will only be shared with the applicant and select Council officers who need to issue the permit.

Council Role

• DTP will mail individual applicants their new permit unless they want to collect it from Whitehorse City Council’s Nunawading office. However, this will delay receipt of the permit. NOTE: You must pick up your permit from the Nunawading Council office if you only have a post office box as your mailing address
• Organisations must present the appropriate documentary evidence at the Nunawading Council Office when collecting permits
• Council can decline an application due to duplicate permits issued in the same name, a record of prior misuse or conflicting functional assessments
• Select Council officers will have restricted access to your functional assessment information.

For more information about the new accessible (Disabled) Parking Permit Scheme, please visit the Accessible Parking web page.