QLD: Family complains about airport treatment of elderly woman

AAP General News (Australia)
08-04-2008
QLD: Family complains about airport treatment of elderly woman

By Jessica Marszalek

BRISBANE, Aug 4 AAP - Brisbane Airport has been asked to explain why it made an 86-year-old
woman stand while her wheelchair, walking stick and shoes were searched by security officers.

John Tscheppera said his 86-year-old mother-in-law was selected for a random scan as
she went through security before a flight to Cairns with her two daughters last Thursday.

He said she was made to get out of her wheelchair and take her shoes off while her
wheelchair, shoes and wooden walking stick were swept with a security wand.

"My mother-in-law is 86, she's most of the time wheelchair-bound," he said.

"She's frail, bent over and anyone with half a brain could look at her close up and
see that she's old, frail and needs nurture, a lot of TLC.

"To subject an 86-year-old to something like that is a bit over the top."

Mr Tscheppera said the family wanted an explanation as to why such a thorough search
was carried out.

He said he understood the need for airport safety but it should have been obvious his
mother-in-law posed no threat.

Comment was being sought from Brisbane Airport.

AAP jmm/pjo/srp/cdh

KEYWORD: WHEELCHAIR

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