From time to time, the Federal Government of Australia updates legislation that may effect travellers with accessibility needs. We have reviewed the changes to Security Legislation that will come into affect from 1 February 2025.

Assistance Animals

Under the new legislation, passengers can be separated from their assistance animals if they consent to being separately screened.

This is to give those with assistance animals more flexibility with the way they are screened and would be based on the passenger informing a security officer that they wish to be separated.

Body Scanners

Many travellers still believe Body Scanners are X-rays and they are not; all body scanners in Australia use non-ionising millimetre-wave technology. This means they do not emit ionising radiation like that of x-rays.

The low intensity waves and short duration of the scan means you are exposed to less energy than other common everyday devices such as mobile phones. The millimetre-waves are reflected off the surface of the skin and do not penetrate the body.

There are no known health risks from undergoing a scan so travellers who have a medical condition or are pregnant should not be concerned.

Privacy is something we take seriously at Melbourne Airport. When screened, your privacy is protected as the body scanners display a generic stick figure with no identifying features. No individual scans or personal information can be stored or transmitted.

More information can be found here

Medical Devices

There are some devices that cannot be screened with certain technology.

• Individuals with Pacemakers cannot be screened via Walk Through Metal Detectors or Hand Held Metal Detectors
• Certain Brands of Continuous Glucose Monitors and Insulin Pumps cannot be screened via Body Scanners (Millimeter Wave Technology) and most CGMs and insulin pumps cannot be screened via X-rays (Checked luggage).

It is recommended that before travelling, passengers talk to a legal medical practitioner or check the manufacturer's instructions for guidance on whether their medical device/s or equipment is suitable for certain screening methods.

Alternative Screening Methods

Security Screening processes are bound by strict national legislation which Melbourne Airport is required to comply with, and so it's important to remember that if you are travelling you are unable to “choose” what method of screening you receive. 

If you need to receive a different screening methods (e.g a pat down as opposed to Body Scanning) you are required to present evidence that makes this necessary to the security personnel. This could be a letter from a medical practitioner for example that states that due to the passenger having an insulin pump they are unable to be screened via a Body Scanner.