Latest news with #StephenScourfield
Perth Now
5 days ago
- Perth Now
Major win for women over invasive searches in Qatar airport
Five Australian women who were subjected to invasive internal examinations at Doha's Hamad International Airport after being forcibly removed from a Qatar Airways flight have secured the right to pursue legal action against the airline following an important Federal Court appeal victory. The women experienced the ordeal in October 2020, when airport police ordered dozens of female passengers off the aircraft for internal checks after a newborn baby was found abandoned in a bin at the airport. Shocked and distressed by the experience and the lack of an apology from Qatar Airways, the women are taking legal action against the airline, the airport operator MATAR, and Qatar's Civil Aviation Authority. In April 2024, Justice John Halley ruled the women's claim could not proceed under the Montreal Convention, reasoning that the invasive examinations did not occur during embarking or disembarking the plane. The women, represented by Marque Lawyers, appealed, arguing the searches took place as part of the disembarking process and that airline staff were aware. On Thursday, the Federal Court overturned the initial dismissal, with Justice Angus Stewart stating, 'There is no sufficiently high degree of certainty that what happened to the (women) in the ambulance could not ultimately be found to have been in 'the course of any operations of embarking or disembarking'... That issue can only be decided at trial and not on a summary basis.' Doha's Hamad International Airport. Credit: Stephen Scourfield / The West Australian The court also ruled that the women could pursue claims against MATAR for the conduct of those who performed the examinations. Justice Stewart noted, 'It cannot be concluded with sufficient confidence at this stage that the appellants (women) have or will have no basis to plead that the 'nurse' was an employee or a true agent of MATAR. It is also an error to conclude that MATAR's duty of care cannot possibly extend to the circumstances in and around the ambulance.' The central hall at Hamad International Airport, Doha. Credit: Stephen Scourfield / The West Australian The appeal against Qatar's Civil Aviation Authority, however, was dismissed. The court ordered Qatar Airways and MATAR to pay the appeal costs, and the case will now return to the Federal Court for trial. 'The Full Court has set aside the orders of the primary judge summarily dismissing the claims against Qatar Airways and giving strike out relief in favour of MATAR. It has also granted liberty to the (women) to apply to file amended pleadings and ordered Qatar Airways and MATAR to pay the costs of the appeal. As regards QCAA, the Full Court has dismissed the appeal with costs,' Justice Stewart concluded. Marque Lawyers partner Damian Sturzaker said, 'Our clients endured a traumatic experience on that night in Doha and they deserve to have their day in court and compensation for their suffering.' 'They have shown enormous courage in standing up for what they believe is right and we will continue to support them as the case continues to the Federal Court,' he added. In 2023, Transport Minister Catherine King blocked Qatar Airways' application for increased flights into Australia, partly citing this case. The airline denies any wrongdoing, maintaining it cannot be held responsible for actions taken by airport police. If you or someone you know needs help, contact 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732). Lifeline: 13 11 14.
West Australian
09-07-2025
- West Australian
All About INDIA, a special free event
The colour and contrasts, the sounds and stories brought to life in a special free India event. Stephen Scourfield, Travel Editor of The West Australian and The Sunday Times, will share his experiences over many years in India. He has travelled to most parts of India, and has a deep understanding of and love for the country. Stephen has also led many tours for his readers to India. Refreshments will be served. The event will be held at the premises of the Consulate General of India, Perth. It is presented in partnership by West Travel Club and the Consulate General of India, Perth. INSPIRATION Stephen will talk about his experiences over many years in many parts of India, bringing the country in all its facets to life through his colourful writing, storytelling and photographic images. INFORMATION The presentation will also focus on information and practicalities. + The Golden Triangle (Delhi, Agra, Jaipur). How to see the best of Rajasthan, and what places to add on. + Kerala (Thiruvananthapuram, Alleppey and the Kerala Backwaters, Kochi and the Western Ghats). + Travel on trains (the Maharajas' Express, Deccan Odyssey, Palace on Wheels, Royal India trains, Golden Chariot). + On the water (river cruising on the Ganges and coastal cruises). + The wildlife of the north-east, travelling to the Indian Himalayas, Mumbai and the north-west. YOUR QUESTIONS Stephen and the Consulate General of India staff will answer your questions. YOUR TAKEAWAY Guests will leave with information and contacts to help plan and book a visit to India. Consulate General of India, Perth Floor 6, 12 St Georges Terrace, Perth (opposite Perth Concert Hall) There is undercover parking at Perth Concert Hall and outdoor parking between that and the river, in the big Terrace Road carpark. The Blue, Green and Purple CAT buses all have routes along St Georges Terrace. Tuesday, July 29, 4pm to 6pm. This is a free event, but places are limited and guests need to book a free ticket. Registration closes at noon on Friday, July 25. Follow the QR code or go to the consulate's booking site. The event is from 4pm to 6pm. 4pm to 4.30pm: Entry, registration and informal welcome. 4.30pm to 5.30pm: Welcome by Consul General, and Stephen Scourfield presents India. 5.30pm to 6pm: Q&A and refreshments.
Perth Now
07-06-2025
- Business
- Perth Now
Accommodation in Kings Park unlikely after tiny cabins trial
A bold push to allow tourist accommodation in Kings Park has seemingly fizzled out after last year's tiny cabin trial, with neither the Tourism Minister or Environment Minister keen to talk about a future for overnight stays. The company that brought in the three tiny cabins last June around drawcard event Lightscape has also confirmed it won't be returning when the lights and sound spectacle returns next week. 'We really appreciated the opportunity to trial the concept at Kings Park and while the response was positive overall, we've decided to focus on our regional expansion for now,' a Heyscape spokesperson confirmed to PerthNow. Your local paper, whenever you want it. Cabins in Kings Park look unlikely to return. Credit: Stephen Scourfield / The West Australian WA's new Tourism Minister Reece Whitby, who was environment minister when the accommodation trial was supported, referred questions about the prospect of future accommodation for Kings Park to new Environment Minister Matthew Swinbourn. Mr Swinbourn did not answer any of PerthNow's questions this week and a written response — attributed to a State Government spokesperson — was non-committal. 'The Heyscape overnight stay experience provided a novel, world-class experience in an extraordinary location,' the statement read. 'Any future proposals will be informed by the Heyscape review, which provides valuable insights into key considerations for accommodation experiences.' Last year's State Government-backed trial allowed the three cabins to be set up in the park for the three-week duration of Lightscape, providing a rare overnight accommodation experience for some of the event's 180,000 visitors. The cabin by the DNA Tower. Credit: Stephen Scourfield / The West Australian At the time, Premier Roger Cook called it a 'start of a new era for Kings Park' as the State Government explored new opportunities for hospitality and accommodation within the park. 'Kings Park is one of WA's best attractions and my government wants to bring Kings Park to life,' he said. 'That means more for visitors to do as they experience one of the world's biggest and best inner-city park.' But the accommodation audition drew a mixed response, with plenty taking issue with the $495 per night price tag for being too steep. Community group Friends of Kings Park also slammed the trial because of the potential to 'ruin' the A-class reserve.
West Australian
23-04-2025
- West Australian
The Pod Well Travelled: Exploring the rugged Australian Outback
Vast, remote and brimming with cultural richness, the Australian Outback is one of the world's most unique travel destinations. Host Megan French and seasoned explorer Stephen Scourfield discuss the wondrous landscape on the latest episode of The Pod Well Travelled. The duo take listeners on an epic journey from the iconic red heart of Uluru and the dramatic domes of Kata Tjuta, to the ancient gorges of Karijini and the rugged beauty of the Kimberley. Hear firsthand accounts of sunrise and sunset at Uluru, the ever-changing colours of the desert, and the spiritual power that draws travellers back time and again. The conversation also explores must-visit destinations such as Kings Canyon, Flinders Ranges and the legendary Gibb River Road, as well as quirky outposts such as Coober Pedy — where life is lived underground — and the historic mining town of Broken Hill. 'Karijini National Park is like going down an elevator in time, through millions and millions of years,' Stephen says. + We'd love to hear from you — send your questions, comments or feedback for the podcast to The Pod Well Travelled team via travel@ + Subscribe to The Pod Well Travelled where you get your podcasts — and share it to your family and friends. + Sign up for eTravel via It's our free digital edition of travel that gets delivered to your inbox once a week and is full of new stories, fresh podcast episodes, upcoming events and more.
Perth Now
23-04-2025
- Perth Now
Exploring the rugged Australian Outback
Vast, remote and brimming with cultural richness, the Australian Outback is one of the world's most unique travel destinations. Host Megan French and seasoned explorer Stephen Scourfield discuss the wondrous landscape on the latest episode of The Pod Well Travelled. The duo take listeners on an epic journey from the iconic red heart of Uluru and the dramatic domes of Kata Tjuta, to the ancient gorges of Karijini and the rugged beauty of the Kimberley. Hear firsthand accounts of sunrise and sunset at Uluru, the ever-changing colours of the desert, and the spiritual power that draws travellers back time and again. The conversation also explores must-visit destinations such as Kings Canyon, Flinders Ranges and the legendary Gibb River Road, as well as quirky outposts such as Coober Pedy — where life is lived underground — and the historic mining town of Broken Hill. 'Karijini National Park is like going down an elevator in time, through millions and millions of years,' Stephen says. Stephen Scourfield and Megan French discuss travelling the Australian outback in a new episode of The Pod Well Travelled. Credit: Adobe Stock / Luke - + We'd love to hear from you — send your questions, comments or feedback for the podcast to The Pod Well Travelled team via travel@ + Subscribe to The Pod Well Travelled where you get your podcasts — and share it to your family and friends. + Sign up for eTravel via It's our free digital edition of travel that gets delivered to your inbox once a week and is full of new stories, fresh podcast episodes, upcoming events and more. Stephen Scourfield and Megan French discuss travelling the Australian outback in a new episode of The Pod Well Travelled. Credit: Adobe Stock / Reto Ammann -
