A high-profile medical figure linked to former Queensland premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has been suspended from practicing medicine in Australia by the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency amid rape and sexual assault charges.

Dr. Vahid Reza Adib, 65, faces three counts of rape, two counts of deprivation of liberty, and one count of sexual assault, which he denies; the alleged offenses are said to have occurred on March 30 at his Burleigh Heads apartment.

Adib, a bariatric surgeon who has been Palaszczuk’s partner since 2021, was charged on May 1 with the listed counts and has a history of performing more than 20,000 operations.

The reporting frames the suspension as a precautionary measure ahead of any court verdict, reflecting the developing legal case.

Updates provided on June 2, 2026, note the surgeon’s name and status, with the initial report publishing moments earlier.

The case has drawn national attention due to the political connection and ongoing public interest in Palaszczuk’s circle.

Adib’s lawyers say he will vigorously defend the charges, maintain his innocence, and emphasize the welfare of his family and patients as the matter proceeds.

The timing of the investigation coincided with Palaszczuk’s book release and related events, which were postponed due to Adib’s arrest.

The suspension restricts Adib from practicing medicine while the case is being reviewed.

Police allege the offenses occurred at a Goodwin Terrace residence on March 30, with a search warrant executed on April 30 during the investigation.

A raid on April 30 led to the seizure of items as part of the investigation, and the case is before the Brisbane Magistrates Court.

Palaszczuk’s longstanding partner emphasized that she is not implicated or accused of any wrongdoing.