Matt Rourke/AP
A doctor suspended over allegations of writing fake COVID-19 exemptions and spreading misleading information about the virus maintains he told the truth about vaccines and their risks. Disciplinary proceedings have begun between the Medical Board of Australia and Dr. Mark Hobart, a Melbourne doctor, who insists he did nothing wrong. In a brief hearing at the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal, Dr. Hobart applied to have the matter dismissed or struck out on the grounds that it was “frivolous, vexatious, misconceived.”
Dr. Hobart has filed a 27-page document outlining his submissions. Despite this, his application to have the matter dismissed was denied. A mention of these proceedings is expected to be held on August 16, with a three-day hearing scheduled to start early next year. Dr. Hobart has been suspended since November 2021 based on eight allegations of misconduct, including issuing almost 600 COVID-19 vaccinations and mask exemptions, told Daily Mail.
Dr. Hobart argues that the Board exceeded its jurisdictional powers in these matters and contends that it cannot dictate what information doctors can or cannot provide to patients. He also claims he told the “truth to patients about vaccines” and fulfilled his duty of care, including the obligation to do no harm.
Tribunal senior member Elisabeth Wentworth denied Dr. Hobart’s application to dismiss the matter, emphasizing the seriousness of the allegations against him. “This is not a frivolous proceeding,” Ms. Wentworth stated in her written findings. She noted that the allegations raised important questions about a doctor’s professional responsibility in relation to disease prevention and control.
Victorians were subject to strict vaccination mandates and mask rules throughout the pandemic. Melbourne’s metropolitan area experienced six lockdowns totaling over 260 days in 2020 and 2021, earning the Victorian capital the distinction of being the most locked-down city in the world.
Dr. Hobart’s case highlights the ongoing debate over medical freedom and regulatory oversight. While he maintains that his actions were in line with his professional responsibilities and ethical obligations, the Medical Board of Australia seeks to address what it views as serious breaches of public health directives during a global pandemic. The outcome of the upcoming hearings will likely have significant implications for the balance between individual medical judgment and public health policy in Australia.
