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Maria Carmela Pau faces Southport Court accused of pretending to be doctor, issuing fake Covid-19 medical exemptions

A woman who allegedly issued dodgy Covid-19 exemptions and pretended to be a medical practitioner named Dr Maria Power has faced court.

Maria Carmel Pau arrives at the Southport Courthouse. Picture: Tertius Pickard
Maria Carmel Pau arrives at the Southport Courthouse. Picture: Tertius Pickard

A GOLD Coast women accused of pretending to be a doctor and issuing fake medical exemptions for Covid vaccinations has appeared in court.

Maria Carmela Pau arrived at Southport Magistrates Court by herself wearing all black.

Maria Carmel Pau out the front of Southport Courthouse. Picture: Tertius Pickard
Maria Carmel Pau out the front of Southport Courthouse. Picture: Tertius Pickard

It is alleged she issued more than 600 false “medical exemption” certificates related to the coronavirus.

Pau is charged with five counts of taking a title indicating she is a health practitioner.

The 45-year-old’s lawyer, Ali Rana, of Armstrong Legal, asked for the matter to be adjourned for three weeks for case conferencing.

It will be alleged Pau also uses the name Dr Maria Power after her thesis on addiction was submitted to the University of Southern Queensland.

Police allege she is not a medical doctor.

Magistrate Mark Bamberry adjourned to matter until November 18.

lea.emery@news.com.au

Originally published as Maria Carmela Pau faces Southport Court accused of pretending to be doctor, issuing fake Covid-19 medical exemptions

Original URL: https://www.couriermail.com.au/news/gold-coast/maria-carmela-pau-faces-southport-court-accused-of-pretending-to-be-doctor-issuing-fake-covid19-medical-exemptions/news-story/189c87cba6b25cf2bcf2e65f9a79f58b