A mother has accused Virgin Australia of discrimination after she was told to leave the airline’s Melbourne Airport lounge on Monday while expressing breast milk, allegedly because it made other passengers “uncomfortable.”
Elise Turner, a medical doctor, told on social media that despite explaining her breastfeeding rights under the Sex Discrimination Act 1984, staff insisted she leave and physically touched her arm to escort her out. She described the incident as “unbelievable and infuriating,” criticising ongoing bias against breastfeeding women in 2025.
Virgin Australia later issued a statement admitting its handling “did not meet service standards,” apologised directly to Turner, and said the staff involved are under internal review.
Under federal law, unequal treatment based on breastfeeding is illegal. Victoria also explicitly bans breastfeeding discrimination in accommodation, employment, education, clubs, and public services. The Australian Breastfeeding Association stressed women have the right to breastfeed in any public space, highlighting gaps in corporate staff training.