Two Medical Professionals Charged with Sexual Offences Against Patients

Separate cases are proceeding independently in New South Wales and Western Australia.

Sydney Doctor Charged with Sexual Assault of Patients

The Charges

Dr. Andrew Small, a 70-year-old doctor, has been charged with sexual assault offences involving four female patients at Waterloo Medical Centre in Sydney. The charges are:

• Three counts of aggravated sexual assault
• One count of aggravated indecent assault
• One count of sexual assault knowing no consent was given

The alleged offences occurred between November 1988 and March 2026.

Arrest and Bail

Detectives conducted a search at Waterloo Medical Centre on Thursday and arrested Dr. Small. He was taken to Mascot Police Station and held overnight. On Friday, he appeared at a virtual bail hearing and was granted bail under conditions that he not practice medicine and not enter Waterloo Medical Centre.

"The conduct falls well outside of what ordinary practice would be."
— Police prosecutor Sergeant Chris Manning

Court Proceedings

During the bail hearing, police prosecutor Sergeant Chris Manning described the case as "strong" and argued against bail. He stated that one victim reported attending Dr. Small for stomach pain and was sexually assaulted.

Judge Daniel Covington acknowledged the seriousness of the offences, stating they "solely relate to his practice as a medical professional." He described the case as "not weak but certainly not an overwhelming case at this stage."

Additional Allegation

The court was told that a fifth woman had contacted police since the case became public, alleging offences dating back to 2006, when she was 15 years old.

Background

Dr. Small was subject to a Health Care Complaints Commission investigation in 2012 but was permitted to continue practicing. His defense lawyer, Troy Edwards, stated that Dr. Small has no criminal history and intends to contest the charges.

Perth Paediatrician Charged with Multiple Child Sexual Offences

The Charges

Dr. Chia Liang Saw, a 41-year-old paediatrician specializing in behavioural issues, has been charged with 53 offences related to child sexual abuse. The charges include:

• Sexual penetration of a child between 13 and 16
• Using electronic communication to procure a child for sexual activity (20 counts)
• Persistent sexual conduct with a child
• Possessing child exploitation material
• Other related offences

The alleged offences occurred between 2022 and 2026.

Alleged Victims

Police have identified ten alleged victims, mainly girls aged between 12 and 15. An additional victim is a 10-year-old girl who was allegedly abused at home. Police are investigating the possibility of seven more victims, and further charges are expected.

"Magistrate Janelle Scutt said she did not want to consider bail until more information was available, citing the strength of the allegations."

Method of Alleged Offences

According to police:

• Hidden cameras were reportedly installed in consulting rooms at Saw's practices in Nedlands and Midland
• Saw allegedly stalked victims via social media and used the "Sugar Daddy" dating website
• He also allegedly admitted to deleting incriminating material

Court Proceedings

Saw was first charged in May 2026. He has been held at Hakea Prison in a secure supervised unit since then. On Friday, he appeared via videolink at a bail hearing in Perth Magistrates Court.

The bail hearing was adjourned to Friday next week.

Defence Argument

Defence lawyer Alex Smith argued for bail, stating Saw's explanation for the recordings was to protect himself from allegations of "untoward behaviour." Smith noted that Saw:

• Has no criminal record
• Is a Malaysian-Australian dual citizen willing to surrender his passport
• Owns property in Australia
• Proposed home detention with over 20 conditions

Medical Registration

Saw's medical registration has been suspended by the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency.

Investigation Status

The investigation is ongoing. Police have urged anyone with information to come forward.

Support is available from the National Sexual Assault, Domestic and Family Violence Counselling Service at 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732).

Next Court Appearance

Saw is scheduled to appear in court again on June 19.