Former senior Victorian nurse David Quinney sexually assaulted nursing student

A grubby old nurse who sexually assaulted a student blamed his victim’s “language limitations” to avoid punishment for his conduct.

A dirty old nurse with an “unblemished” 49-year career sexually assaulted a female nursing student during a placement at a Victorian health centre.

David Quinney was reprimanded for professional misconduct and disqualified for 18-months after his sordid antics were laid bare at VCAT on Monday.

The tribunal ruled it was important to protect the public and send a strong message that Quinney’s behaviour was “frankly disgraceful” and had serious consequences.

Quinney admitted propositioning a much younger student nurse before sexually assaulting her by touching her “bottom area” without consent.

The offences took place in a car, in an “isolated location” away from the health centre where the pair worked.

The tribunal heard Quinney initially denied sexually assaulting the student nurse and blamed her “language limitations” for the complaint.

Stephanie Joosten, for the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia, said there was “a very serious power imbalance” between Quinney and the student.

Ms Joosten said Quinney, who had worked at a hospice, was in a position to provide feedback on the student’s performance during her placement.

Ms Joosten also submitted Quinney was of “more advanced years” than his student victim.

“The nature of conduct is serious..,” Ms Joosten said.

“It can be described as nothing short of disgraceful, inappropriate … particularly in a professional setting …

“The nursing student noted she felt scared and uncomfortable throughout these events and the questioning persisted despite her requesting that Mr Quinney stop the conversation.

“It escalated to a point where she was propositioned and also sexually assaulted.”

Quinney elected to “bring forward his retirement” after he was suspended when the allegations were first reported.

The tribunal heard Quinney had planned to retire at the end of 2019.

Robert Gray, for Quinney, submitted his client had been a “very popular” nurse during an “otherwise unblemished” 49-year service career in the profession.

“It is a matter of great sadness (for Quinney) and great remorse that this occurred at the end of his career where he has put such a taint upon it,” Mr Gray said.

Quinney also ”endured” significant pressure in his marriage and in his friendships and relationships within the community as a result of his behaviour, the tribunal was told.

VCAT senior member Anna Dea acknowledged Mr Quinney had retired and did not intend to work again as a nurse.

However, Ms Dea said it was important to disqualify Quinney for 18 months to demonstrate the serious nature of his actions.

“We’re agreeable the conduct was, frankly, disgraceful,” senior member Dea said.

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