No sympathy for anti-vaxxer doctors, Health Minister warns

THE rogue Melbourne doctor at the centre of an alleged anti-vaccination cell has been told his medical registration is about to be suspended over concerns for patient safety.

THE rogue Melbourne doctor at the centre of an alleged anti-vaccination cell has been told his medical registration is about to be suspended over concerns for patient safety.

Australia’s health watchdog on Thursday informed Mitcham GP Dr John Piesse he had just a week to provide a reason why he should be allowed to continue treating patients or his registration would be suspended pending the outcome of an ongoing investigation.

The action follows explosive revelations in Thursday’s Herald Sun that at least three Melbourne GPs are being investigated amid claims an underground network of anti-vaccination doctors has helped hundreds of families avoid compulsory immunisations.

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Dr John Piesse arrives at the Natural Healing Centre in Mitcham. Picture: Nicole Garmston

A video recording of Dr ­Piesse telling an anti-vax for­um he had helped 600 families wanting to avoid compulsory vaccinations was also revealed.

In response, federal Health Minister Greg Hunt on Thursday warned that no sympathy would be shown to any doctor taking an anti-vaccination position.

“I am astonished that there are any people who have been through medical degrees who would deign to stoop to the level of supporting the anti-vaccination movement,” Mr Hunt said.

“If it is accurate that there are registered doctors who are advocating an anti-vaccination position, then they will have the full force of the authorities come down on them.”

Dr Piesse has been under investigation for a year by the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency, since the Health Department raised concerns over immunisation exemption applications he had allegedly lodged.

Dr Piesse was defiant on Thursday, saying he had done nothing wrong.

“It’s totally legal but they don’t like it because they don’t want anyone to be allowed not to vaccinate without penalty,” he told Channel Nine.

“I have been approached by hundreds of parents who want exemptions from the penalties for not vaccinating. I think many of them have good reasons,” he told Channel 7.

Responding to criticisms that it had taken too long to investigate Dr Piesse, AHPRA and the Medical Board of Australia said public safety was paramount and any evidence it presented must be robust.

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SECRET MELBOURNE CELL OF ANTI-VAXXER DOCTORS UNDER INVESTIGATION