Milky’s past kept secret
No details on doctor’s 2015 case
THE future of a local GP accused of multiple sexual assaults is in limbo, with both police and the medical watchdog continuing to investigate Shafiul Milky.
It comes as the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency refused to detail the outcome of a 2015 investigation into the Bellarine Peninsula doctor, citing laws limiting what it could share about individuals doctors and investigations.
Dr Milky’s registration was due to expire yesterday, according to the AHPRA website.
His registration was suspended by the Medical Board of Australia on September 9.
The board has directed AHPRA to continue investigating Dr Milky, a spokeswoman said.
She said Dr Milky remained registered but only for the purpose of AHPRA taking action under legislation relating to performance and conduct.
“His registration will not expire while he remains suspended,” she said “If either the board or a tribunal decides to lift the suspension, he will automatically be returned to the register although we will require him to complete a relevant renewal process.
“We are also liaising with Victoria Police in relation to its ongoing investigations.”
Doctors are unable to apply to renew their registration while it is suspended, the AHPRA spokeswoman said.
Only a tribunal — such as VCAT — can cancel a practitioner's registration.
Dr Milky is unable to practise while suspended.
A practitioner’s registration can be suspended pending other assessment or action, if a national medical board believes there is serious risk to the health and safety of the public from the practitioner’s continued practise of the profession, and that suspension is necessary to protect the public from that risk, the AHPRA website says.
Dr Milky, who worked at Peninsula Family Medical Practice in Ocean Grove, was banned from seeing female patients in March. The clinic was listed as Dr Milky’s only approved place of practice when he was slapped with the series of conditions in March. He was not sacked until July.
Victoria Police yesterday confirmed its investigation into Dr Milky remained ongoing.
Police have said claims span many years, and said the most recent reported incident allegedly occurred this year.
The Addy is not suggesting the allegations are true, only that they have been made.
Adviceline Injury Lawyers in August announced it was investigating Dr Milky and exploring legal recourse for at least one former patient.
Eight former patients of Dr Milky have approached the firm alleging misconduct, with allegations spanning back to 2013.
Dr Milky was investigated for misconduct-related allegations by the MBA and AHPRA in 2015, but was not placed under gender and practicebased restrictions until March this year, Adviceline has said.
The Addy has been unable to reach Dr Milky.