Dr Andrew Small Charged May 16: Sydney GP Faces Sexual Assault Allegations

A 70-year-old Sydney general practitioner has been charged with sexually assaulting multiple female patients at an inner-city medical centre over a 38-year period. Andrew Robert Small, who worked at Waterloo Medical Centre, was arrested during a police raid and subsequently granted bail on strict conditions. The case raises serious concerns about medical regulatory oversight, as Small had been subject to a Health Care Complaints Commission investigation in 2012 yet was permitted to continue practising. Court proceedings revealed that further charges may follow as investigations continue into his conduct.

The Charges and Arrest

Andrew Small was arrested when police raided Waterloo Medical Centre early Thursday morning. He faces multiple charges related to alleged sexual assault of patients spanning from 1988 to 2026. The Sydney court heard that Small was subject to a Health Care Complaints Commission investigation in 2012 but was allowed to keep practising medicine at the time.

Bail Conditions and Legal Proceedings

The court granted Small bail to his Bellevue Hill home with a critical condition: he must immediately cease all medical practice. Prosecutors indicated that additional charges could follow as the investigation progresses. The bail decision reflects the seriousness of allegations while acknowledging legal presumptions of innocence during trial preparation.

Regulatory Oversight Failures

The case exposes critical gaps in medical regulation. Small’s prior 2012 investigation by the Health Care Complaints Commission did not result in his removal from practice, allowing him to continue treating patients for over a decade. This regulatory failure raises urgent questions about how medical boards assess risk and protect vulnerable patients from repeat offenders.

Impact on Patient Safety

The allegations spanning 38 years suggest potential systemic failures in patient protection mechanisms. Medical centres must implement stronger safeguards, including mandatory reporting protocols and regular compliance audits. The case underscores the need for transparent communication between regulatory bodies and healthcare facilities to prevent similar incidents.

Final Thoughts

The charges against Dr Andrew Small represent a significant failure in Australia’s medical oversight system. The fact that he continued practising after a 2012 investigation demonstrates critical gaps in regulatory accountability and patient protection. This case will likely prompt urgent reforms to strengthen medical board enforcement, improve inter-agency communication, and establish clearer protocols for removing practitioners who pose risks to patient safety.

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