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Parliamentary Questions


Question Without Notice No. 1219 asked in the Legislative Council on 16 December 2021 by Hon Tjorn Sibma

Parliament: 41 Session: 1

HEALTH PRACTITIONERS — CRIMINAL CONVICTION DISCLOSURE

1219. Hon TJORN SIBMA to the minister representing the Minister for Health:

I refer again to the disclosure of criminal convictions by medical practitioners.

(1) Are doctors and, indeed, all medical practitioners obliged to disclose all criminal convictions, including those recorded in other states, territories and countries, to the Department of Health, relevant health service or their private employer prior to commencing employment?

(2) If not, why not?

Hon MATTHEW SWINBOURN replied:

On behalf of the minister representing the Minister for Health, I thank the member for some notice of the question. I provide the following answer based on information provided to me by the Minister for Health.

(1)–(2) When a practitioner first applies for registration, the Medical Board of Australia requires the applicant to declare their criminal history in all countries, including Australia. When practitioners renew their registration, they must disclose any changes to their criminal history. Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency must check an applicant's criminal history during the registration process to ensure that only those practitioners who are suitable and safe to practise are granted registration in Australia.

Further, all employees, including medical practitioners, undergo criminal record screening. The Department of Health and all health service providers conduct criminal record screening of all new employees to assure themselves that any criminal matters that might go to a person's suitability for employment are adequately considered.