Paula Hobley is blind and uses a Guide Dog. She lives in regional Victoria and is unable to drive, so relies on services like Uber to meet friends, do shopping, go to medical appointments and get around.
Paula is suing Uber for disability discrimination after more than 30 of her trips were cancelled when Uber drivers learned she was travelling with her Guide Dog.
Australia’s Disability Discrimination Act makes it unlawful for a business to discriminate against a person because of their disability, including by refusing access to services because they use an assistance dog.
After making a disability discrimination complaint to the Australian Human Rights Commission with no resolution, the case is heading to the Federal Court.
Senior Solicitor Erin Turner Manners joined 2SER Breakfast to discuss the case.
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