A Queensland woman who uses a guide dog has been awarded $3,500 after the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal found a short-stay accommodation provider unlawfully refused her service.
ABC News reported that Janice Whittle contacted accommodation owner Brendan Farrugia about a stay in Agnes Water but was told the property did not accept dogs. The tribunal also considered a proposed $100 cleaning fee connected to the guide dog.
Queensland law protects people accompanied by certified guide, hearing and assistance dogs. Accommodation providers cannot refuse service or impose an additional charge solely because a guest relies on an assistance animal.
A separate Magistrates Court matter had earlier resulted in a $2,800 fine for a breach of the Guide, Hearing and Assistance Dogs Act. Mr Farrugia told ABC News he had made a mistake and would comply with the tribunal's decision.
Source: ABC News, 21 September 2026.
Image disclosure: The featured image is an AI-generated editorial illustration using fictional people and property. It is not a photograph of the complainant, provider or accommodation involved.
