Music Journalist Barred From VIP Area At Pink Sydney Gig Following Wheelchair Access Dispute

A Gold Coast music journalist was denied entry into the VIP area at Pink's Sydney concert this past Saturday following a dispute over wheelchair access. 

As Gold Coast Bulletin reports, Marlena Katene, who has cerebal palsy, purchased the tickets with her carer, Bert Hibbert, which she had done for previous shows of the US superstar's Australian tour. 

Katene claims that security at Qudos Bank Arena denied the pair entry into the standing section and instead moved them to a wheelchair-specific area. 

After being told by security that the decision was policy, Hibbert asked to speak with the person who made the call, given they had been given access to the same area at Pink's Melbourne show.

"We purchased tickets legally and nowhere was it stated that wheelchairs were not allowed," Katene said.

Hibbert was eventually escorted out of the arena and told to remain 50 metres away from the venue, while Katene remained inside.

"In my mosh-pit experience having a wheelchair creates an even greater level of respect on the floor,” she said.

"The social aspect is worth the VIP ticket price alone and something I would not experience in the wheelie section."

While they were both refunded the ticket price, Katene has said she is seeking legal representation and has also tried to contact Pink.

Shine Lawyers' Christie Toy confirmed to Gold Coast Bulletin that "it is unlawful in Australia to discriminate against a person with a disability when providing goods, services and access to places.

"Stadiums must adhere to the legislation and ensure that those with a disability have the same right of enjoyment at a concert as those who do not have a disability. This will not be achieved if they are being relegated to a walkway.

"If a concert goer was removed from a concert simply because they had a disability than this is indeed going to be a legal issue."

In a statement given to The Music today, Qudos Bank Arena General Manager, Steve Hevern, said "the safety of all patrons is of paramount importance".

"We respect Ms Katene’s enthusiasm and excitement to enjoy the concert in the way she had anticipated, however we have a duty of care to Ms Katene as well as all other patrons to ensure a safe event for all," Hevern's statement reads.

"We had been in contact with Ms Katene prior to her attendance at the concert to understand her wishes and to also explain our requirements around safety.

"Our goal was to provide a safe alternative in an equivalently-priced location to ensure the best possible experience for Ms Katene. We have a long history of communication with Ms Katene regarding her desire to be as close to the stage as possible and have adapted our existing arrangements on a number of occasions to accommodate her requests.

"We are disappointed our efforts to safely accommodate Ms Katene did not meet her expectations, therefore we provided a full refund to her and Mr Hibbert (who accompanied her to the concert)."

Read the full statement below.

The safety of all patrons is of paramount importance and is what guides all decision making to ensure safe and enjoyable events at Qudos Bank Arena. Safety is one of the primary areas of the venue’s operation, for which we are responsible.

We respect Ms Katene’s enthusiasm and excitement to enjoy the concert in the way she had anticipated, however we have a duty of care to Ms Katene as well as all other patrons to ensure a safe event for all.

We had been in contact with Ms Katene prior to her attendance at the concert to understand her wishes and to also explain our requirements around safety.

Our goal was to provide a safe alternative in an equivalently-priced location to ensure the best possible experience for Ms Katene. We have a long history of communication with Ms Katene regarding her desire to be as close to the stage as possible and have adapted our existing arrangements on a number of occasions to accommodate her requests.

We are disappointed our efforts to safely accommodate Ms Katene did not meet her expectations, therefore we provided a full refund to her and Mr Hibbert (who accompanied her to the concert).

We take the comfort and safety of all patrons of all levels of ability extremely seriously and will continue to work closely with all of our staff to ensure people feel welcome and safe.