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AAP
AAP
Politics
Tess Ikonomou

PM takes much-needed 'paws' from politics

PM Anthony Albanese with trainee guide dog Sissy at a Vision Australia event at Parliament House. (Mick Tsikas/AAP PHOTOS) (AAP)

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has led the pack in spending time with some furry friends.

In a "pawsome" event at Parliament House in Canberra on Thursday, Mr Albanese cuddled puppy-in-training Sissy, and was rewarded with a kiss.

Politicians of all stripes descended on the Puppies in Parliament event, which hosted Vision Australia.

National Disability Insurance Scheme Minister Bill Shorten said the 1793 taxpayer-funded assistance dogs make a world of difference to people living with a disability.

"We want to make sure as a new government that we take a lot of the red tape and argument out of the system," he said.

"I think attendance animals are absolutely fantastic value for the people they help and for the taxpayers who fund them."

Mr Shorten said examples of bureaucracy included people with guide dogs being denied taxi concessions, and having to pay a shortfall when their assistance animal retired early.

"I kid you not," he said.

Mr Shorten said the issue of the slow processing of disabled people out of hospital beds, and a backlog of court cases involving disability packages would be discussed at a meeting with his state and territory counterparts on Friday.

Vision Australia government relations manager Chris Edwards said it was important anyone who needed an assistance dog got one.

"The politicians are listening to us and they understand the difference that a seeing eye dog can make to help people be more independent, to be more confident, and to be able to live the life they choose" he said.

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