University of Qld lecturer at centre of sexual misconduct allegations

A university lecturer and doctor has been stood down from Queensland Health and resigned from the institution following allegations of sexual misconduct.

The lecturer has been stood down from Qld Health and resigned from the University of Queensland.

A university lecturer and doctor has been stood down from Queensland Health and resigned from the institution following allegations of sexual misconduct.

On February 7, the University of Queensland sent out an email to staff advising them of the allegations against a staff member in the Faculty of Medicine and on February 8, a similar email was sent to students.

Acting Chief Executive Metro South Health Paula Foley said Queensland Health was advised of allegations in relation to the employee and their work in the tertiary education sector.

UQ Vice-Chancellor Professor Deborah Terry said she made it clear that the University will not tolerate sexual misconduct and all allegations would be investigated regardless who was involved.

“The University received allegations late last year about a then-staff member in the Faculty of Medicine,” she said.

“The allegations included misconduct of a sexual nature, and raised concerns about assessment integrity, conflict of interest and the handling of confidential information.

“I apologise unreservedly to those students impacted and acknowledge their courage in coming forward to raise these matters with us.

“Our investigation found the individual’s behaviour breached our code of conduct for staff and our sexual misconduct policies. The individual has resigned and is no longer a UQ employee.”

She said she had directed an externally led review to be commissioned to assess the concerns raised about the assessment integrity.

“I am concerned about the wellbeing of students impacted either directly or indirectly, and our priority is to ensure they receive the help they may need,” she said.

“Anyone who wishes to raise matters through our existing processes will be fully supported.

“We have notified the relevant authorities and regulatory organisations.”

Ms Foley said Queensland Health had commenced an investigation immediately.

“While this is being undertaken the employee has been stood down,” she said.

“As the matter is now under investigation it would be inappropriate to comment further.”