The decision by a tribunal to uphold the suspension of a GP last year under emergency powers looks like a legal train wreck – one with serious casualties, not least AHPRA’s reputation.

Yesterday, we reported on the startling case involving a “Dr Shah” (not his real name) who last year was arrested and charged with the sexual assault of one of his receptionists as well as breaking and entering into her house.

The Medical Board of Australia suspended him shortly after the receptionist made the allegations to the police. The allegations were serious, and there was a concern that his patients could be at risk.

It took some months but the police, after interviewing various witnesses, including friends of the receptionist, dropped the charges.