Queensland surgeon Vahid Reza Adib suspended over rape charges, linked to former premier Annastacia Palaszczuk
Consensus Summary
Prominent Queensland surgeon Dr Vahid Reza Adib, 65, was suspended from practicing medicine on June 2, 2026, by the Health Ombudsman following charges of three counts of rape, two counts of deprivation of liberty, and one count of sexual assault against a woman in her 30s. The alleged incident occurred on March 30, 2026, at an address in Burleigh Heads or Goodwin Terrace, with police seizing evidence during a crime scene warrant on April 30. Adib’s suspension, also reflected on the AHPRA website, will remain in effect until further legal proceedings. His lawyer, Dan Rogers, has stated Adib intends to vigorously defend the charges, which have been adjourned until July 7. Adib’s relationship with former Queensland premier Annastacia Palaszczuk, which began in 2021, has drawn public attention, though there is no suggestion of her involvement in the allegations. Adib, a bariatric surgeon with over 20,000 operations, has worked in Brisbane since the mid-1990s and previously ran a clinic at Wesley Hospital.
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Key details reported by multiple sources:
- Dr Vahid Reza Adib (65) was suspended from practicing medicine by the Queensland Health Ombudsman effective June 2, 2026, due to rape charges.
- Adib was charged on May 1, 2026, with three counts of rape, two counts of deprivation of liberty, and one count of sexual assault against a woman in her 30s.
- The alleged incident occurred on March 30, 2026, at a Goodwin Terrace residence (Burleigh Heads apartment in ABC, Goodwin Terrace in Guardian).
- Adib’s suspension will remain in effect until revoked by the Health Ombudsman or set aside by the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal.
- Adib’s lawyer, Dan Rogers, stated he would 'vigorously defend the charges' and that Adib is presumed innocent.
- Adib’s registration suspension is also listed on the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) website.
- Adib surrendered his passport as part of bail conditions.
- Adib’s case has been adjourned until July 7, 2026.
- Adib was in a relationship with former Queensland premier Annastacia Palaszczuk, which began in 2021.
- Adib is a bariatric surgeon who performed over 20,000 operations and worked at Wesley Hospital in Brisbane’s western suburbs.
Points of Difference
Details reported by only one source:
- The Office of the Health Ombudsman (OHO) website explicitly stated the suspension was effective June 2, 2026, and mentioned the suspension appears on AHPRA.
- The alleged victim was detained against her will at Adib’s Burleigh Heads apartment on the Gold Coast.
- Adib’s relationship with Palaszczuk began six years into her tenure as premier and at the height of her popularity.
- The Guardian specifies the alleged incident occurred at a Goodwin Terrace residence, while ABC mentions Burleigh Heads.
- The Guardian notes Adib ran an obesity clinic at Wesley Hospital in Brisbane’s western suburbs, with expertise in laparoscopic surgery and obesity management.
- The Guardian includes a statement from Adib’s lawyers emphasizing his concern for his family and patients during the proceedings.
Contradictions
Conflicting information between sources:
- The ABC specifies the location as Burleigh Heads apartment on the Gold Coast, while the Guardian refers to a Goodwin Terrace residence, with no further clarification on whether these are the same address.
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Queensland surgeon Vahid Reza Adib suspended after rape charges
The partner of former state premier Annastacia Palaszczuk, who denies the allegations, has been barred from practising Get our breaking news email , free app or daily news podcast The Queensland health ombudsman has suspended the registration of prominent surgeon Vahid Reza Adib – the partner of former Queensland premier Annastacia Palaszczuk – who was charged last month with rape . The ombudsman confirmed on Tuesday that Adib was “prohibited from practising as a medical practitioner for the dur