Statement by the Hon. Ann Vanstone QC
Independent Commissioner Against Corruption

As a result of an investigation by my officers, the Director of Public Prosecutions has commenced criminal proceedings against a public officer employed by SA Health.

A 56 year old Kingswood man employed as a surgeon at a metropolitan public hospital has been charged with 25 counts of deception, contrary to s 139 of the Criminal Law Consolidation Act (SA).

The Director will allege that between 25 June 2017 and 27 April 2018 the surgeon deceived SA Health by submitting timesheets which falsely claimed that he had been recalled to the hospital to perform surgery and had performed that surgery.

It will be alleged that in some instances claims were made for procedures with which the surgeon had no involvement; in others he merely offered advice to a more junior doctor but did not perform the relevant procedure himself. Other claims were for procedures the surgeon did perform, but in ordinary working hours for which he was already being paid. Still others concerned claims for surgery undertaken in his private capacity.

It is alleged that in all but one instance the timesheets were certified and authorised by the surgeon himself.

It is alleged that the total amount of the fraudulent claims is over $65,000.

The man has been summonsed to appear in the Adelaide Magistrates Court at 10am on 1 June 2021.

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For media enquiries please contact 0428 389 493 or media@icac.sa.gov.au

The publication of this information has been authorised by the Commissioner under section 56 of the ICAC Act.

Related downloads:
ICAC Public Statement - 25 May 2021