General News
16 August, 2022
UPDATED: Massage therapist barred from providing treatment
The Maryborough massage therapist charged with rape and sexual assault, Michael Allwood, has been banned from providing health services until November. Health Complaints Commissioner Bernice Redley has issued an interim prohibition order against Mr...
The Maryborough massage therapist accused of raping and sexually assaulting two women has been barred from providing services to the public until November.
Michael Allwood has been served with an interim prohibition order by Health Complaints Commissioner Bernice Redley and an investigation is underway following a complaint made to the commissioner’s office last week.
It comes after the 62-year-old was arrested on August 3 at his Maryborough property by detectives from the Central Victoria Sexual Offences and Child Abuse Investigation Team.
Mr Allwood was charged with two counts of rape and one of sexual assault relating to alleged incidents on January 15 and June 29 this year and appearing in court on August 8, it was revealed additional complainants had come forward since Mr Allwood’s arrest.
The interim prohibition order prevents Mr Allwood — who trades as Massage by Michael of Maryborough, Personal Training 1 to 1, Stronger with a Coach Personal Training and Body Core Flexibility — from advertising, offering or providing any health service paid or otherwise in a clinical or non-clinical capacity.
Commissioner Redley said the prohibition order would remain in place while the investigation, aimed at establishing facts, was underway.
“The safety of Victorians continues to be our number one priority,” she said.
“I have issued this interim prohibition order on Michael Allwood as I believe he poses a serious risk to the health, safety and welfare of the Victorian public and should be prohibited from offering his services.
“It allows us to understand what measures should be taken to protect the public from serious risks to their health, safety or welfare.”
The commissioner noted that while there are many safe and ethical massage treatment providers, not all comply with their obligations or do the right thing.
“That is why it is important for any person considering massage treatment to consider what can go wrong and what they have a right to expect from their health service provider so they can make fully informed decisions,” she said.
Commissioner Redley said the interim prohibition order is a reminder that community members can report their experiences.
“We rely on community members to come forward with their concerns so that we are aware of possible breaches of the code by providers,” she said.
“If your expectations for safe and ethical healthcare are not met, or if you believe a health service provider is operating outside the code of conduct for general health services, please contact us via the online complaint form at hcc.vic.gov.au or email us at hcc@vic.gov.au.”
Mr Allwood is scheduled to appear before the Bendigo Magistrates’ Court for a committal hearing on November 23.