Orthopaedic surgeon Herwig Drobetz appeals drivers licence suspension at Ballina Local Court

A Northern Rivers orthopaedic surgeon who is the head of a hospital’s trauma department made a bid to get his licence back after being busted driving significantly over the speed limit.

Harwig Drobetz outside Ballina Court House

A Lismore Base Hospital orthopaedic surgeon has faced a court in a bid to get his drivers licence back after being busted speeding at 40km/h over the limit.

Herwig Drobetz, of East Ballina, appealed his three-month licence suspension at Ballina Local Court on Thursday after he was issued with an infringement for exceeding the speed limit.

The 56-year-old was running late to work at the Lismore Base Hospital when his Ford Everest was pulled over by police after travelling at 120km p/h in an 80km p/h zone on the Bruxner Way near Lindendale on May 31, police documents state.

“It was not an emergency surgery,” police state.

Drobetz’ licence was suspended on August 15.

Harwig Drobetz was caught driving 40km over the speed limit because he was late for work

Defence lawyer Tom Ivey said Drobetz was on his way to view an overnight presentation at the hospital to prepare him for an upcoming surgery.

“He was attempting to overtake another car,” he said.

“He goes overseas for Médecins Sans Frontières, also known as Doctors Without Borders which is a charity that provides humanitarian medical care.”

“Drobetz has a fairly minimal traffic history and has completed the traffic offenders program.”

Magistrate Karen Stafford allowed Drobetz to have his licence back as his work was crucial to the community.

“He is the orthopaedic surgeon in the Northern Rivers and Head of the Trauma Department,” she said.

Ms Stafford said he should know better as he would have had to operate on patients who have come to hospital as a result of dangerous driving.

The Health Professional Councils Authority declined to comment and there are no indications of reprimands or conditions on Drobetz’ registration.