Mitcham anti-vax doctor John Piesse suspended by medical board

REBEL anti-vax doctor John Piesse’s medical registration has been suspended, with Victoria’s health minister saying his fate stood for an example for other rogue clinicians.

Dr John Piesse has been suspended. Picture: Nicole Garmston

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REBEL anti-vax doctor John Piesse has had his medical registration suspended as an investigation into his use of immunisation exemptions is stepped up.

Following a lengthy meeting with the Medical Board of Australia today the controversial Mitcham GP had his registration suspended, making it illegal for him to treat patients.

Minister for Health Jill Hennessy said the doctor’s fate stood as an example for other renegade physicians.

Dr John Piesse has been suspended. Picture: Nicole Garmston

“The fate of Dr Piesse should stand as an example to rogue clinicians who tout lies about vaccination. This decision is long overdue,” she said.

“It is completely irresponsible for clinicians — entrusted with the health of our community — to ignore the science and encourage parents not to immunise their children.”

She encouraged Dr Piesse’s former clients to get a second opinion on vaccination advice.

“There is no debate around immunisation. The science is clear: vaccinations save lives,” Ms Hennessy said.

“I urge any parent or guardian who has taken their child to see Dr Piesse about vaccination, to seek a second opinion regarding your child’s immunisation.”

Dr Piesse’s Natural Healing Centre practice on Whitehorse Rd in Mitcham. Picture: Nicole Garmston

“By failing to vaccinate, parents can put their kids and others in our community at risk of terrible diseases or death. The more Victorians are vaccinated, the greater the protection for everyone in the community.”

The action comes three weeks after the Herald Sun revealed Dr Piesse had addressed an underground anti-vaxxer gathering in Hawthorn where he told them of his efforts to help hundreds of families avoid compulsory vaccines.

In the days following the Herald Sun revelations Dr Piesse entered into a legally-binding agreement with the medical watchdog that he would not practise, however the Medical Board today took firmer action as its ongoing investigation continues.

Australian Vaccine-Skeptics Network president Tasha David led a protest in support of Dr Piesse in front of the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) offices on Thursday, with the gathering of about 40 anti-vaxxers cheering when the GP arrived for the hearing shortly after 1pm, chanting “hands off Dr Piesse”.

But shortly before 5pm the Medical Board hearing had been completed and Dr Piesse’s official medical registration was updated to state that he was currently suspended from practising.

An AHPRA spokeswoman confirmed the board took “interim action” to suspend Dr Piesse’s registration but could not comment further as inquiries “in relation to the matter are ongoing”.