Surgeon under investigation over ‘chilling’ video of him tearing down teal’s corflute

A Melbourne surgeon has apologised and confirmed he is being investigated by the health regulator and the hospital where he works after tearing down Kooyong MP Dr Monique Ryan’s election sign and stomping on it.

On Friday this masthead revealed that Professor Greg Malham had been seen in a video circulating on social media ripping the teal candidate’s corflute from a hedge, before putting it in his boot then dumping it in a rubbish skip and covering it in rubble.

Malham can be heard praising US President Donald Trump, addressing “the boys” and telling men how to “bury the body” in the video, which outraged anti-violence campaigners and politicians.

“Just finishing the job, boys. Always gotta bury the body,” he says in the recording. “Always remember boys, bury the body under concrete.”

On Saturday, Malham – who has worked as a spine surgeon at hospitals including the Epworth private hospital in Richmond – issued a statement to this masthead saying there was no excuse for his behaviour.

He also confirmed that he was under investigation by the Epworth and had reported himself to the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency.

The surgeon was seen ripping down and then stomping on the poster.

“I am deeply sorry and regret my actions in the video and fully understand the serious distress it has caused in the community,” he said.

“There is no excuse for my unacceptable behaviour and I will be fully co-operating with the independent investigation commissioned by Epworth HealthCare.

Professor Greg Malham is a neurosurgeon who specialises in spine surgery.

“I will be taking leave while that investigation is happening and have self-reported to the medical regulator, AHPRA.

“I will be fully accountable for my actions. I sincerely and unreservedly apologise for this lapse in judgment that does not reflect my core values and beliefs.”

Epworth HealthCare Group chief executive Professor Andrew Stripp confirmed the investigation on Saturday.

“Epworth HealthCare is deeply concerned by the unacceptable behaviour displayed by surgeon Professor Greg Malham in a video on social media,” he said.

“Epworth requested an explanation from Professor Malham about the incident and as a result of those initial enquiries Epworth decided to commission an independent investigation to provide advice on appropriate action to be taken in this serious matter ...

“Professor Malham, a private medical specialist who like all surgeons operates at, but is not employed by, Epworth, has agreed to fully co-operate with the independent investigation.

“Epworth and Professor Malham agree it is appropriate he take leave while the investigation is under way and he has advised Epworth he will also be self-reporting to the Australian Health Practitioners Regulation Agency and will be fully accountable for his behaviour.”

AHPRA told this masthead on Saturday: “Our number one priority is public safety. We are aware of media reporting about Professor Malham and will consider whether regulatory action is required.”

When he was first asked about his behaviour in the video by this masthead on Friday, he said: “it was a silly thing to do”.

“It was intended as a joke, but I recognise how bad it looks,” he said at the time.

“I have already refunded the money for the sign to Dr Ryan’s campaign, and a bit extra.”

Respect Victoria chair Professor Kate Fitz-Gibbon said the clip showed a gendered threat directed at a woman in public life and that nobody should dismiss the attack as being “just politics”.

“Violence and threats directed at women – whether online or in real life – create a climate of fear,” Fitz-Gibbon said.

“This video is a stark reminder of the breadth of harmful misogynistic attitudes across the community.

“What we saw in that video was not just vandalism – it was a chilling display of misogyny and intimidation.”

A spokesperson for Ryan’s campaign confirmed on Friday that a donation made by Malham had been rejected and his money refunded.

Ryan – a paediatric neurologist, researcher and professor prior to her political career – said the video was deeply concerning, but not an isolated incident.

“We’ve seen groups from both within and outside Kooyong stoking division through aggressively negative advertising,” she said.

“It’s creating a climate of hostility that is distressing to candidates, volunteers and the broader community.

“I’m aware that similar incidents have also affected my opponent, and I unequivocally condemn this behaviour in all its forms. There’s no place in Australian electoral campaigns or society for violence and aggression.”

Goldstein independent MP Zoe Daniel slammed the video as “an apparent endorsement of violence against women”.

“Could there be a clearer metaphor to enable violence against women?” Daniels asked in a video posted to her social media accounts.

“I feel sick,” she said. “This has to be called out by men in leadership positions who are in a position to do something and so far have mentioned violence against women barely, if at all, during this campaign.”

Kooyong Liberal candidate Amelia Hamer said the man in the video was not a party member, and condemned the content.

“There’s no place in politics for the destruction of campaign signs or any kind of intimidation – regardless of who the candidate or party is. Respectful debate and democratic participation are the cornerstones of a healthy political system.”

Malham was appointed an adjunct professor at Swinburne University in 2020.

A university spokesman said this was an unpaid and honorary title.

“He has no ongoing connection with the university, and has not for some time,” the spokesman said.

“The actions in the video are abhorrent and are completely at odds with Swinburne’s values.”

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