Police Charge Bariatric Surgeon, Partner of Former Queensland Premier, with Multiple Sexual Offenses
Dr. Vahid Reza Adib, a 65-year-old bariatric surgeon and partner of former Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk, is facing six serious charges including three counts of rape following an alleged incident on the Gold Coast.
Timeline
March 30, 2026
Police allege Dr. Adib sexually assaulted a woman in her 30s at a residence on Goodwin Terrace, Burleigh Heads. This alleged incident is the basis for all charges.
April 30, 2026
Police—including forensic specialists—executed a search warrant at Dr. Adib’s apartment in the Norfolk building on Goodwin Terrace at approximately 11:00 AM. A crime scene was declared, and items were seized as evidence. No charges were filed at this time. The same day, Ms. Palaszczuk stated at a public event, "I'm not aware of any of that, so I can't comment."
May 14, 2026
Dr. Adib voluntarily presented himself at Southport Police Station, where he was formally charged and released on police bail. The charges include:
- Three counts of rape
- Two counts of deprivation of liberty
- One count of sexual assault
His case was first heard at Southport Magistrates Court. Dr. Adib did not attend in person and was represented by lawyer Dan Rogers. Magistrate Jane Bentley noted that one charge appeared to require amendment. The court ordered the brief of evidence be provided by June 23, with the next hearing set for July 7. Dr. Adib remains on bail with a condition to surrender his passport.
June 2, 2026
The Office of the Health Ombudsman (OHO) suspended Dr. Adib’s medical registration, effective immediately. The suspension prohibits him from practicing as a medical practitioner. It will remain in effect until the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal sets it aside or the Health Ombudsman revokes it. The suspension is listed on the AHPRA website.
Charges and Legal Proceedings
- Defendant: Dr. Vahid Reza Adib, aged 65
- Charges: Three counts of rape, two counts of deprivation of liberty, one count of sexual assault
- Next Court Appearance: July 7, 2026, at Southport Magistrates Court
- Defense Stance: Lawyer Dan Rogers stated Dr. Adib maintains his innocence and intends to "vigorously defend the charges."
Statements and Involvement of Annastacia Palaszczuk
- Ms. Palaszczuk, who has been in a relationship with Dr. Adib since 2021, stated she was not aware of the police investigation.
- Authorities have stated Ms. Palaszczuk is not believed to be involved in the alleged incident, and there is no suggestion of wrongdoing on her part.
- On April 30, Ms. Palaszczuk cancelled a scheduled radio interview with ABC Gold Coast.
Professional Background and Status
- Dr. Adib is a bariatric surgeon who founded an obesity clinic in Brisbane in 2004.
- According to Uniting Care, which operates the Wesley Hospital, Dr. Adib is not currently accredited to perform operations there.
- As of June 2, Dr. Adib’s medical registration is suspended by the Office of the Health Ombudsman.
Police Statement
Queensland Police stated: "Police declared a crime scene at an address in Burleigh Heads [on Thursday], April 30, as part of an ongoing investigation."
Support is available from the National Sexual Assault, Domestic Family Violence Counselling Service (1800RESPECT) on 1800 737 732.