‘Chilling’ video shows surgeon stomping on Monique Ryan corflute

A Melbourne surgeon has admitted tearing down a Dr Monique Ryan election sign before tutoring men in how to “bury the body” in a video that has outraged anti-violence campaigners and politicians.

A video circulating on social media shows Professor Greg Malham praising US President Donald Trump after tearing down the teal Kooyong MP’s corflute before bundling it into the boot of a car and addressing “the boys”.

In a second scene at another location, Malham, who is clearly identifiable in the video, removes the sign from the car’s boot and begins stomping on it before burying it under rubbish in a roadside skip.

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

“Just remember these tutorials. It is all about technique, Nigel. Always remember guys, good technique, then dispose of the evidence.

“Always remember boys, bury the body under concrete.”

Asked about the video, Malham – who specialises in spine surgery and has worked at hospitals including Epworth Richmond – told this masthead “it was a silly thing to do”.

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

Despite violence against women and girls being declared a national crisis last year, Fitz-Gibbon said there had been no leadership shown on the issue during the federal election campaign.

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.”

In a statement to this masthead, the Epworth said: “Professor Malham is a private medical specialist who, like all surgeons, operates at, but is not employed by, Epworth.

“Epworth [has] asked Professor Malham for an explanation. We are making no further comment as it is a matter for Professor Malham.”

Goldstein independent MP Zoe Daniel has 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.”

Start the day with a summary of the day’s most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter.