Suspended doctor says he told the truth about COVID-19

A doctor who was suspended over allegations that he issued fake COVID-19 exemptions and spread misleading information about the virus insists he told the truth about vaccines and their risks.

Disciplinary proceedings have been initiated between the Australian Medical Association and Mark Hobart, but the Melbourne doctor has maintained that he has done nothing wrong.

In a brief hearing before the Victorian Civil and Administrative Court on Monday, Hobart asked for the action to be dismissed on the grounds that it was “frivolous, vexatious and misguided”.

He submitted a 27-page document with his remarks.

Nevertheless, his request to discontinue the proceedings was rejected.

A mention of these proceedings is scheduled for August 16, with the three-day hearing expected to begin early next year.

Hobart has been suspended since November 2021 on eight allegations of misconduct, including granting nearly 600 exemptions from COVID-19 vaccination and mask requirements.

Hobart argued that the panel had exceeded its jurisdiction in the matter, saying it could not dictate to doctors what information they can and cannot give to patients.

He also claimed that he had “told patients the truth about vaccines” and fulfilled his duty of care, including the obligation to do no harm.

Elisabeth Wentworth, senior member of the tribunal, rejected Hobart’s request to dismiss the case on the grounds that the allegations against him were serious.

“This is not a frivolous procedure,” Ms Wentworth said in her written findings.

She said the allegations raised important questions about a doctor’s professional responsibilities in preventing and controlling disease.

Victoria residents have been subject to strict vaccination and mask requirements throughout the pandemic.

Greater Melbourne was subjected to six lockdowns totaling more than 260 days in 2020 and 2021, giving the capital of Victoria the dubious honor of being the city with the most lockdowns in the world.