From Australian Civil Aviation Order 20.16.3:
Passengers who could obstruct or hinder access to emergency exits are
restricted from being seated in exit rows. These are:
• People with permanent or temporary disabilities;
• Children under 15years of age;
• Adults nursing infants;
• People who do not understand or speak English;
• People requiring extension seat belts;
• Deportees or prisoners in custody; and
If contravention of CAO20.16.3 does occur, cabin crew must relocate
the passenger to another available seat. If it is necessary to re-seat a
passenger, care must be taken so as not to embarrass nor prejudice
these passengers
In addition to regulatory requirements, company policy at QF group (so QF & JQ/3K/BL) and DJ also includes pregnant women over 6 months gestation.
"CAO20.16.3-2 defines a ‘handicapped person’ as: “a person requiring
special attention because of illness, injury, age, congenital malfunction,
or other temporary or permanent incapacity or disability which makes
that person unable without special facilities or assistance to utilise air
transport facilities and services as effectively as persons who are not so
affected”.
A disability that impairs the passenger’s ability to move quickly in the
event of an emergency may include:
• Passengers who require a wheelchair (WCHC/R/S) or upper torso
harness (TRSO).
• Passengers with a temporary or permanently stiff knee(s), knee(s)
in plaster, brace or splint.
• Passengers who are frail and aged.
• Passengers requiring medical clearance (MEDA).
• Passengers with intellectual disabilities.
• Passengers who are deaf.
• Passengers who are visually impaired.
• Passengers travelling with a guide/hearing dog."