The Queensland Companion Card: Making Community Access More Inclusive
- carli215
- Sep 17
- 3 min read
Getting out into the community shouldn’t come with extra costs just because you need support to do so. That’s why the Queensland Companion Card exists — to make everyday outings, events, and transport more accessible for people who require ongoing attendant care support.
Here’s everything you need to know about how it works, who it’s for, and how to apply.
💡 What Is the Queensland Companion Card?
The Companion Card is a program designed to reduce the cost of community participation for people who need a support person with them.
If you have a disability and require attendant care support to attend venues or activities, your Companion Card allows you to receive a second ticket at no cost for your support person (called a companion).
This means:
🎟️ Your companion’s ticket is free
🚍 They can also travel with you on public transport at no charge
💬 There are no booking fees for the companion ticket
The card is valid for five years and is issued to the person with disability, not the support person.
👥 Who Counts as a Companion?
Your companion can be anyone who provides the care and assistance you need to access the community. This could be:
A support worker
A family member or friend
A carer (paid or unpaid)
A partner
Their role is to provide attendant care support — meaning hands-on help with things like mobility, communication, self-care, or learning.
It doesn’t include people who just provide social company or encouragement.
✅ Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for a Queensland Companion Card, you must:
Be a lawful Australian resident living in Queensland
Have a disability
Be unable to participate in most community activities without attendant care support
Need, or be likely to need, lifelong attendant care support
The program isn’t income-tested, so anyone who meets the above criteria can apply — including people who already receive NDIS funding or other disability supports.
🚫 Who Is Not Eligible?
You may not be eligible if:
Your need for support is temporary
You only need a companion for social reassurance
You’re affected by venue inaccessibility rather than your disability
You’re a child whose care needs are typical for your age
The Companion Card is for people whose need for assistance is lifelong and directly related to their disability.
🌏 Where You Can Use Your Companion Card
The Companion Card is accepted at hundreds of venues and services across Queensland, from the Brisbane Ekka and local shows to theatres, cinemas, sporting venues, and tourist attractions.
It’s also valid on:
🚆 Queensland Rail and Traveltrain holidays
🚌 Translink public transport throughout Queensland
Many venues display the Companion Card logo, but even if you don’t see it, it’s worth asking — some businesses still honour the card when informed about the program.
And if you’re travelling interstate, good news: the card is recognised nationwide, so you can use it wherever the National Companion Card is accepted.
📝 How to Apply
You can apply through the Queensland Government website or by contacting Smart Service Queensland.
📞 Phone: 13 QGOV (13 74 68)
✉️ Email: cardservices@smartservice.qld.gov.au
🌐 Apply online: Queensland Companion Card Application
The application process includes providing details about your disability and your need for attendant care support. Once approved, your card will be valid for five years.
💬 Why It Matters
The Queensland Companion Card helps make community life more inclusive and affordable. It removes one of the biggest barriers to participation — cost — so people with disability can access the same experiences as everyone else, without paying twice.
For many of our participants, this card makes it easier to attend outings, events, and everyday activities with a support worker or carer — opening up more opportunities for connection, confidence, and independence.
📍 Based on the Gold Coast
📝 If you’d like help exploring ways to use your Companion Card during community access supports, contact us here.
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