Warning over Melbourne’s rogue massage therapists

A push is underway to rub out unsafe practices and sexual misconduct at dodgy massage parlours. These are the shops to be wary of.

Almost 100 complaints have been lodged against Victorian massage therapists in the past four years, including dozens of allegations of unsafe practices, sexual misconduct and rape.

The most serious claims against rogue massage therapists have seen the state’s health watchdog issue 23 interim and four permanent prohibition orders to immediately close 16 clinics deemed a public safety risk since the state’s health safeguards were strengthened in 2017.

The Herald Sun this week confirmed the Health Complaints Commissioner has received 98 notifications against massage therapists in that time — including two-thirds that relate to sexual misconduct and not operating in a safe and ethical manner since July 2018.

The revelations come after Michael Sergides, 75, fronted the County Court last week pleading not guilty to a charge of rape and sexual assault.

The Herald Sun understands police and medical authorities are also investigating another massage therapist in Melbourne’s north who is accused of rape.

Despite the frequency of serious misconduct being found, there are no minimum education or legal qualifications required to practise and no restriction on who can call themselves a massage therapist.

Since gaining the power to investigate complaints against rogue healers in 2017, Health Complaints Commissioner Karen Cusack’s office has launched 28 investigations into massage therapy services, which she said underlined the seriousness of the allegations.

“One of the most concerning aspects of complaints about massage therapists is the incidence of boundary violation complaints and allegations of impropriety or sexual misconduct,” Ms Cusack said.

“Complainants are often in a vulnerable position when receiving massage services and it is incumbent on all massage therapists that they maintain safe and ethical practices.

“It may be that complainants are reluctant to come forward, or are unsure of where to raise these issues and, as a result, complaints of this nature are under reported.”

Unlike accredited health professionals, the lack of regulation in the massage therapy industry means they are only subject to the state’s “negative licensing” scheme.

The issues have prompted calls for greater regulation of massage therapists.

This means accreditation is unnecessary and they are only investigated if members of the public come forward with a complaint.

Health Minister Martin Foley said he would consider a move to regulate massage therapists if authorities felt it necessary, however any change would need approval by interstate and federal members of the Australian Health Ministers’ Advisory Council.

“If the HCC raised any concerning trends in this area, we would be happy to raise it at the health ministers’ council, as we have done with other issues in the past,” Mr Foley said.

“Any complaint of misconduct is concerning and we encourage any Victorians with a complaint about the services or treatments they have received to come forward, so we can ensure all Victorians are well protected.” Massage and Myotherapy Australia chief executive officer Ann Davey said she was not certain if regulation or a requirement to meet certain levels of training was the best solution.

She said overseas-qualified practitioners who did not meet Australian levels of training were undermining the wider industry.

“It is flooding the market with therapists or practitioners who do not meet our standards, yet they can still operate legally,” Ms Davey said.