Canberra Airport is to give security staff special training after a traumatic incident involving a three-year-old girl with learning disabilities. Her father said she was "humiliated" in full public view.
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The airport has apologised to the family and has conducted an investigation into the incident.
The altercation between security staff and the family happened at the airport last Saturday.
A passenger, Andrew Peters, who was returning to Melbourne with his wife and two small children said he was "absolutely outraged" by the treatment.
Mr Peters said security staff said there were "abnormalities with the young child's groin region". They suspected that she was hiding something.
"I stated that due to her medical diagnosis and condition of ADHD and autism she still wears nappies," Mr Peters said.
"They then metal-detected her and frisked her without my consent."
After the screening with the medical detector, the security staff ordered a swab inside the girl's nappy - at which point Mr Peters said he got incandescent with anger.
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There was a further altercation and it was agreed, according to the father, that his wife would put her hand inside the girl's nappy and the mother's hand would be tested for traces of drugs. This, he said, was done in the public area of the airport.
"I was absolutely outraged. My daughter was anxious, worried and very scared as she is only three and has a learning disability."
Mr Peters, who is a diversional therapist in the aged care sector, was very angry: "I am so disappointed, humiliated and frustrated with Canberra airport security.
"We were made to feel like criminals," he said.
His three-year-old daughter, Willow, was "humiliated, disrespected and bullied".
"This is outrageous, and I will definitely be seeking justice to ensure this doesn't happen ever again to another poor hardworking hurting family like us."
A Canberra Airport spokesperson strongly disputed Mr Peter's account. They said there was no test for drugs, but there was for explosives detection. Airport managers who have reviewed the CCTV say the family did not seem angry when they left the security area.
An investigation into the complaint found the correct regulatory procedure for screening had been carried out. A spokesperson said consent had been given by the family and the option of a private search room was declined.
The spokesperson said all security staff had since undertaken a refresher of passenger screening and the airport was engaging with Autism Australia to discuss education and awareness training for staff.
Canberra Airport head of aviation Michael Thomson said the airport was developing a disabilities program to enhance awareness and educate staff to the needs of individuals with hidden or physical disabilities.
"For people travelling with a hidden disability, it is advised to make yourself known to airport staff upon your arrival to ensure your needs are supported," he said.
Steve Evans
Steve Evans is a reporter on The Canberra Times. He's been a BBC correspondent in New York, London, Berlin and Seoul and the sole reporter/photographer/paper deliverer on The Glen Innes Examiner in country New South Wales. "All the jobs have been fascinating - and so it continues."
Steve Evans is a reporter on The Canberra Times. He's been a BBC correspondent in New York, London, Berlin and Seoul and the sole reporter/photographer/paper deliverer on The Glen Innes Examiner in country New South Wales. "All the jobs have been fascinating - and so it continues."
