Overview

• VCAT ruled that 54 of Dr Jereth Kok’s 85 social media posts breached the Health Practitioner National Law and Medical Board’s Code of Conduct
• The tribunal found that his posts described abortion as “baby killing” and branded providers as “butchers” and “serial contract killers” while labeling gender-affirming care as “medical butchery”
• He also posted racist and violent remarks against racial and religious groups and spread Covid-19 misinformation by likening vaccination to “Russian roulette”
• Dr Kok maintains many posts were satirical or taken out of context and his legal team argues the ruling infringes on religious and political expression
• The case highlights increased regulatory scrutiny of health professionals’ personal speech and the challenge of balancing free expression with ethical obligations