Media Releases

Media Releases

4 February 2026 

Mr Chaudhry Ali Shahbaz, phlebotomist, permanent prohibition order

The Director of Health and Disability Services Complaints Office Ms Sarah Cowie issued a permanent prohibition order against Mr Chaudhry Ali Shahbaz in response to findings of a serious sexual assault while he was working as a phlebotomist. 

After being found guilty the accused received a prison sentence, and the permanent prohibition order prevents Mr Shahbaz from working as a phlebotomist or providing any other health services when he is released from prison.

The prohibition order was made for breaching the Code of conduct for certain health care workers (The Code of Conduct), as Mr Ali Shahbaz was found guilty of a serious boundary violation.

“Following Mr Shahbaz’s conviction for the offence, I am satisfied it is necessary to make a prohibition order to avoid a serious risk to the health, safety and welfare of the public,’ said Ms Cowie.

‘This sends a clear message that unsafe and unethical practises have no place in health care, and there are standards in place to safeguard the community. I urge anyone to contact us if they feel like they have not received safe and ethical health care.”

The Code of Conduct sets minimum standards of practice for health care workers who are not registered under the National Registration Accreditation Scheme (NRAS), provide services unrelated to their registration, or are student or volunteer health care workers.

The order comes into effect on Wednesday 4 February and permanently bans Mr Shahbaz from providing any health service in Western Australia, and most other states and territories. Failure to comply with the order is an offence, which will incur a $30,000 fine.

7 October 2025

Mr Anthony Brain, massage therapist, permanent prohibition order

Health and Disability Services Complaints Office Director Ms Sarah Cowie has issued a permanent prohibition order against massage therapist Mr Anthony Brain in response to serious sexual assault allegations.

The prohibition order was made for breaching the Code of conduct for certain health care workers (The Code of Conduct), as Mr Brain failed to comply with the following clauses:

• Clause 1 (1). A heath care worker must provide health services in a safe and ethical manner.
• Clause 2. Health care workers to obtain consent.
• Clause 13(1). A health care worker must not engage in behaviour of a sexual or close personal nature with a client.

The order came into effect on the 14th March 2024 and permanently bans Mr Brain from providing any health service, including any massage therapy or services in Western Australia, and most other states and territories. Failure to comply with the order is an offence, with the penalty being a $30,000 fine.