I have previously reported on the impact of domestic violence allegations on health professional registration; see 

The matter has arisen again in Health Ombudsman v SDS [2026] QCAT 215 involving (yet again) another Queensland paramedic.

In December 2024, SDS was convicted of ([6]):

  • five counts of contravening a domestic violence order;
  • one count assault occasioning bodily harm;
  • one count of entering a dwelling with intent by break at night (‘domestic violence offence’);
  • one count of possessing dangerous drugs; and
  • one count of possessing utensils or pipes.

He spent 4 months in custody before the matter was finalised ([13]).  He was

…  sentenced to six months imprisonment with immediate parole for the offences of assault occasioning bodily harm and entering a dwelling with intent. For the five offences of contravening a domestic violence order, the respondent was placed on probation for a period of 18 months. In respect of the drug-related offences the respondent was convicted but not further punished. Convictions were recorded in respect of all of the offences. The probation period ended in June 2026.

The matter was referred to the QCAT. The Tribunal said ([8]):

Those offences underlie the first of the allegations which bring the respondent before the Tribunal. The second allegation is that he failed to notify the Board in writing within seven days of each of the charges as is required pursuant to section 130(1) of the National Law. Neither of the allegations is put in issue by the respondent.

The Tribunal found (at [24]) that the behaviour that led to his convictions constituted professional misconduct; and his failure to notify the Paramedicine Board was unprofessional conduct. The respondent was reprimanded, his registration was cancelled and it was ordered that he could not seek re-registration for 18 months.   

The Health Ombudsman had argued that the should be disqualified for not less than 24 months (ie 2 years) ([9]).  The Tribunal determined on 18 months instead of 2 years. They said ([20]-[23]):

… the Tribunal is of the view that the period of two years contended for fails to have sufficient regard to the fact that there is no evidence to suggest that the respondent had not completed his period of probation without incident and has not reoffended since being released from custody. Further, the Tribunal is also of the opinion that insufficient regard has been given to the uncontested expressions of remorse and insight displayed by the respondent.

Finally in this regard, the respondent’s right to practice has already been suspended/terminated since 13 November 2024 [when the Health Ombudsman suspended his registration ([5])]. To prohibit the respondent from at least being able to apply for registration as a paramedic for a further two years, in the opinion of the Tribunal, would result in an unnecessarily oppressive outcome.

That said, the conduct of the respondent is sufficiently serious to warrant a significant period of disqualification and, on balance, the Tribunal considers that a disqualification period of 18 months is appropriate.

Before making its final decision as to the appropriate findings and orders that ought be made, the Tribunal is of the view that upon any application for re-registration, be it in six months or two years or any time hereafter, the risk of the respondent reoffending in the future is a matter of genuine concern. In this regard, the Tribunal by reference to the matters expressed in the report of the psychologist set out above, considers that the need for the respondent to address the unresolved issues identified therein would need to be shown to have been addressed. This would include his rehabilitation of drug abuse.

That is, he can apply for registration in 18 months but it doesn’t mean he’ll be registered. He will have to show that he has addressed the issues raised in the psychiatric evidence that he had tendered to support his case.

One might query whether there is any real difference between a disqualification for a further 18 months or 24 months particularly for a paramedic who has already been suspended for 18 months; but it is nice to see a Tribunal apply its own judgment and not just accept the orders proposed by the complainant.

This blog is a general discussion of legal principles only.  It is not legal advice. Do not rely on the information here to make decisions regarding your legal position or to make decisions that affect your legal rights or responsibilities. For advice on your particular circumstances always consult an admitted legal practitioner in your state or territory.