An Australian security officer at Melbourne airport has been sacked after the country’s Foreign Minister Julie Bishop was reportedly singled out for a security screening.
While the Foreign Minister’s office maintains ‘no official complaint’ was made, the Turnbull government reportedly played a direct hand in the consequences felt by Melbourne Airport employees, Sydney Morning Herald reports.
The incident occurred on September 22 as Ms Bishop cleared security in Melbourne on her way to New York for the United Nations leader’s summit.
The worker, employed by airport security contractor ISS, was stood down from work for “not adhering to standard security screening procedures”, Melbourne Airport said in a statement.
A spokesman for Ms Bishop said no “official complaint” was made by the Foreign Minister or her staff.
“The Foreign Minister passes through hundreds of airport security checkpoints each year and is more than happy to be treated on the same basis as other travellers,” she said.
“Neither the Minister nor anyone from her office has made any official complaint regarding her transit through Melbourne Airport at any time.”
The Sydney Morning Herald reported that at least three other airport workers have also been suspended. Melbourne Airport declined to answer any specific questions.
