Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan says she is “sickened by the serious allegations about surgical misconduct at a Melbourne private hospital”, as authorities investigate claims involving a surgeon accused of unnecessary procedures.
In a detailed statement on Tuesday, the Premier disclosed her own experience with endometriosis, saying, “Like thousands of Victorian women, I have had laparoscopic surgery. It was not easy to get there.”
“Diagnosis for my endometriosis was difficult. I was taught to dismiss my pain,” she said. “Eventually I underwent a complex surgery, and then my recovery journey began.”
She said she was speaking publicly because “so many women have joined me on that journey – and they don’t have the platform that I do”.
The allegations relate to laparoscopic surgeries. “Laparoscopies are unpleasant enough,” the Premier said. “For women to go through unnecessary surgeries is highly distressing. For some to have their lives ruined by an even greater pain is simply devastating.”
“Every woman deserves to feel confident about her treatment,” she said. “The allegations against this surgeon shatter that confidence. Victims deserve justice and Victoria demands answers.”
The Premier urged anyone with relevant information to contact the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency. “If you have an experience to share about this surgeon, you can report it to AHPRA,” she said, adding that AHPRA “is the regulator responsible for ensuring medical practitioners are trained, qualified and safe to practice.”
“It’s our expectation that when allegations are made about a practitioner, they are taken seriously and investigated in a timely manner by AHPRA,” she said. “If that has not occurred in this case, they need to explain why and ensure it doesn’t happen again.”
She confirmed the allegations had been referred to Victoria Police. “Without commenting on the specific case, let me be clear: Performing unnecessary surgery is a crime, removing a woman’s organs without a clinical need is a crime, and assisting in that conduct is a crime.”
Private hospital operator Epworth HealthCare has announced an independent review. The Premier said Safer Care Victoria would sit on the review panel “to ensure it is rigorous, transparent, and focused on patient safety”.
The government will also introduce changes to clinical practice around endometriosis. “Following these allegations, we will standardise the guidelines for how endometriosis is diagnosed,” the Premier said.
“An invasive laparoscopy is often the first diagnostic tool, despite growing evidence that it is not always necessary,” she said. “That’s why Safer Care Victoria will publish clinical guidelines, making clear that a less invasive ultrasound should be the first step for diagnosing endometriosis across Victoria.”
She said additional training would be provided “to help doctors recognise endometriosis and treat it appropriately”.
“Because we must continue lifting awareness and understanding of women’s pain, not just within the community but among clinicians,” she said.
The Premier is also considering a certification model. “I’m even exploring a certification – a simple ‘pink tick’ – for clinicians who complete this training,” she said. “Under this proposal, women in pain could see which doctors are trained, ready to listen, and committed to providing the right care.”
“It’s extraordinary that I should even need to propose such a thing, because women’s care is core business,” she said. “But I am determined to restore confidence in a system that all women rely on.”
The Premier said she hoped the allegations were isolated. “I’m praying the allegations against this practitioner are isolated,” she said. “Our doctors and nurses are incredibly dedicated and good at what they do. Our public health system puts patients before profit and provides world-class care.”
She pointed to previous reforms, saying, “Recently, Australia has taken big steps to improve care for women’s pain, and Victoria has led the way.”
“Our nation-first Women’s Pain Inquiry gave a voice to 13,000 women,” she said. “Our 20 sexual and reproductive health hubs are open, and 20 new women’s health clinics are on the way. One will be at the Royal Children’s Hospital – dedicated to girls, their pain, and their reproductive health.”
“However, these sickening allegations show the system still has a long way to go,” she said. “There are too many men who think they can dismiss a woman’s pain – or worse, manipulate it.”
“I’ve spoken to many women across the state about their experiences,” she said. “While our Women’s Pain consultation has concluded, I still want to hear your story, if you want to share it.”
“Please feel free to email me or get in touch with my office,” she added. “Your pain is real, you deserve to be heard and believed – and I will listen.”
