AHPRA Investigates 95 Complaints Over Superannuation Misuse
The Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) received 95 complaints between January 2019 and December 2025 concerning health practitioners involved in facilitating patients' early access to superannuation on compassionate grounds.
Following investigations, two doctors were referred to tribunals for alleged professional misconduct, one dentist had conditions imposed on their registration, and one doctor received a formal caution.
Tribunal Case: Doctor Suspended for Liposuction Scheme
"The doctor provided false and misleading information by stating on an early release declaration form that the patient required the funds for life-threatening obesity."
The Western Australia State Administrative Tribunal found a Perth doctor engaged in professional misconduct for inappropriately assisting a patient to access $18,500 from her superannuation to fund liposuction in 2018.
The Medical Board of Australia alleged that the doctor did not document the patient's weight, body mass index, or any clinical assessment. The doctor completed the form after the patient expressed a desire for a tummy tuck or liposuction.
Penalty Imposed:
- Three-month suspension of the doctor's registration
- $5,000 payment toward the Medical Board's costs
Regulatory Background: The Compassionate Grounds Scheme
Under the Australian Tax Office's (ATO) compassionate grounds scheme, individuals may apply to withdraw superannuation early for specific expenses, including medical treatment. For approval on medical grounds, two medical practitioners must verify that the treatment is necessary to:
- Alleviate pain
- Treat a life-threatening illness or injury
- Alleviate mental illness
AHPRA is trialing the use of artificial intelligence to identify advertising that may indicate a practitioner is prioritizing financial incentives over patient needs. Several practitioners are currently under investigation.
Financial Context: A $1.4 Billion Problem
"Withdrawing $20,000 early could result in being $100,000 poorer by retirement."
Australians withdrew more than $1.4 billion from superannuation on compassionate grounds in the last financial year. The majority of these withdrawals were spent on medical costs.
According to ATO data, successful applications to use superannuation for dental work increased tenfold compared to 2018-2019.
Official Statements
ATO Deputy Commissioner Ben Kelly stated that accessing superannuation early carries long-term financial risks and can reduce retirement savings. He said some practitioners were using "predatory practices" to inappropriately facilitate early access and that it is unacceptable for anyone to pressure Australians into accessing their superannuation early for overpriced or unnecessary treatments.
Super Members Council CEO Misha Schubert expressed concern about a "growing avalanche of advertising" encouraging early superannuation withdrawals for non-essential procedures. She noted that withdrawing $20,000 early could result in being $100,000 poorer by retirement.
Warnings and Advice: Red Flags for Patients
"It is unacceptable for anyone to pressure Australians into accessing their superannuation early for overpriced or unnecessary treatments."
The ATO has identified potential warning signs, including practitioners who:
Warning Sign Concern Use social media to advertise early superannuation access Potentially targeting vulnerable patients Request personal details to apply on a patient's behalf May involve unauthorized applications Conduct telehealth appointments rather than in-person examinations Lack of proper clinical assessment Encourage superannuation use while not offering payment plans Financial incentive over patient care Require use of a specific provider to submit an application Potential kickback arrangements Charge fees for submitting an application Unnecessary financial burdenWhat Patients Should Do:
- Seek an additional medical opinion about treatment costs
- Review practitioner documentation for accuracy
- Notify AHPRA or the ATO if concerned about a practitioner's conduct