Wangaratta doctor charged with hidden camera sexual assaults on female patients

A WANGARATTA doctor accused of secretly filming female patients during examinations was allowed to continue practising for three months after sex assault claims were first raised with medical authorities.

Wangaratta Doctor Stewart Geoffrey Moroney pictured with his family. Picture: Supplied

A DOCTOR accused of filming female patients with a hidden camera during examinations was allowed to continue practising for three months after sexual assault claims were first raised with medical authorities.

Some alleged victims of Dr Stewart Geoffrey Moroney have been identified by police after they uncovered images, camera and computer equipment.

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Those women, all from the Wangaratta region, will receive the distressing news over the next three days.

Police today said ‘under 20’ of the victims had been identified so far, aged 17 to 60.

Dr Moroney, a 68-year-old GP, is a married man who has worked in the area for around 40 years.

He has been charged over one incident and police said the investigation will continue into the images seized at the man’s home and office.

Dr Moroney faces charges of sexual assault and capturing intimate images and was bailed to face court in September.

Police said a female patient noticed a camera during a female health examination at the Ely St clinic in October last year and reported it.

The examination was allegedly conducted without surgical gloves.

Acting Superintendent Joy Arbuthnot and Dr Lara Roeske from the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners speak to reporters in Wangaratta. Picture: Simon Dallinger

Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency chief executive officer Martin Fletcher confirmed the doctor was not prevented from treating patients until January 10.

“We have been actively co-operating with Victoria Police to support its investigation since concerns were raised with us,” Mr Fletcher said.

“The practitioner has not practised since 10 January 2018 when the Board accepted a legally enforceable undertaking from him not to practise.

“The Board then took action to suspend his registration on 22 January 2018 which means he cannot practise.

“It is unlikely we will be able to conclude our inquiries until the conclusion of police activity.”

No other doctors at the clinic were involved, police stressed.

“I don’t think anyone wants to be in a position where they receive a notification from police that they have been a victim of a sexual assault,” Acting Superintendent Joy Arbuthnot said.

“I understand this will be incredibly difficult for our victims to hear and we are working with a range of other agencies to ensure the right support services are in place and they are given as much information as possible about the process from here.

“Wangaratta is a small community and we have someone who has been working in a position of trust for many years, involved in this matter.

“It is likely that there are other victims who, again, may be unaware the offence has occurred.

“I’d encourage anyone who attended this clinic and believes there was anything unusual about their interaction with their GP, to contact Crime Stoppers.

Acting Superintendent Joy Arbuthnot speaks outside the Wangaratta police station. Picture: Simon Dallinger

“I also want to reassure the local community that a thorough investigation is being conducted into this matter and that all reports of sexual assault are taken seriously.

“We understand how concerning this will be for the broader community of Wangaratta and we ask that people don’t share misinformation and instead look at what we are publishing on our official channels in terms of the investigation but also the options that are available to them in regarding to health matters.”

Ely St Clinic released a statement today, acknowledging the charges laid against the GP.

“We do not have the complete details of this alleged offence and we are not in a position to discuss any aspects of this with anyone,” the statement said.

“We also shall not be doing so until the whole matter is resolved. We are co-operating fully with Victoria Police.

“We would appreciate that you respect our privacy in this delicate situation.

“In order to deal with the problem the clinic will be closed today but we shall be answering the telephone for appointments and other administrative business.”

Health Minister Jill Hennessy said Victoria’s Department of Health did not have jurisdiction over the matters under investigation and first became aware of this matter when it was contacted by Victoria Police as part of its investigations recently.

“These are serious allegations that will be thoroughly investigated and we encourage those who need support, or those who are concerned they may be affected, to come forward,” Ms Hennessy said.

Dr Moroney was bailed to appear at Wangaratta Magistrates’ Court on September 10.

Anyone who would like to report an incident is asked to contact Wangaratta police on 5723 0888.

Anyone with any other information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential crime report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au