The Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) has suspended former Ballarat dentist Ian Lomax after allegations surfaced linking him to Neo-Nazi rallies and the National Socialist Network (NSN).<\/p>\n
While suspended, Mr Lomax cannot practise dentistry in Australia.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Mr Lomax was previously employed by Drummond Dental in Ballarat.\u00a0<\/p>\n
An investigation by The Age, published on September 6, accused Mr Lomax of attending multiple Neo-Nazi events, including the August 31 attack on Camp Sovereignty in Melbourne’s Kings Domain.\u00a0<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Camp Sovereignty organisers say a group of far right demonstrators stormed the camp in August.\u00a0 (Supplied)<\/p>\n
15 people have been charged over the attack.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Ian Lomax was formerly employed at Drummond Dental in Ballarat. (Supplied: Internet Archive\u00a0)<\/p>\n
The ABC understands Mr Lomax’s employment was terminated after management at Drummond Dental became aware of The Age’s investigation.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Shortly after Mr Lomax was allegedly exposed, in a now removed statement on its website, Drummond Dental announced an individual was no longer employed.\u00a0<\/p>\n
“Drummond Dental does not tolerate discrimination or hate in any form and remains dedicated to serving the community,” the statement read.\u00a0<\/p>\n
“We are now aware of recent media coverage involving a former employee. This individual is no longer associated with Drummond Dental.”\u00a0<\/p>\n
Drummond Dental has now removed Mr Lomax from its website and social media.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Mr Lomax is not charged with any crimes.<\/p>\n
AHPRA confirmed on October 1, the Dental Board of Australia suspended the registration of Mr Lomax under immediate action provisions.<\/p>\n
While AHPRA did not specify the reason Mr Lomax was suspended, there is a code of conduct which states practitioners must ensure a culturally safe and respectful practice, including adopting practices that ‘respect diversity, avoid bias, discrimination and racism’.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The Dental Board of Australia has the power to take immediate action to suspend a practitioner or restrict their practice if it reasonably believes it is in the public interest.\u00a0<\/p>\n
“Immediate action is always an interim action while the board continues its investigation,” an AHPRA spokesperson said.\u00a0<\/p>\n