NSW Health investigating head of sex assault service for 'antisemitism, bullying' after calling Jewish colleagues 'Zimbos', 'demons'

Sky News AU

12 hours ago

New South Wales Health is investigating the head doctor for the sexual assault service at one of Sydney's busiest hospitals over allegations of antisemitism and online bullying.
Sky News can reveal Dr Jennifer Martinez's recent appointment to the senior position at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, in the inner city, is now under review.
The investigation follows a complaint made to NSW Health Minister Ryan Park in June last month, alleging 'antisemitic bias' and 'bullying behaviour' that was then referred to the Sydney Local Health District (SLHD).
The district's CEO, Deb Willcox AM, responded to the whistleblower last month confirming it was 'conducting a review into the concerns raised'.
A meeting was held between the complainant, who spoke to Sky News but wishes to remain anonymous, and two SLHD representatives last week, who told her the department may call in subject matter experts in law and antisemitism as part of its investigation.
The complaint concerns Dr Martinez's repeated social media references to other doctors, including Jewish doctors, as 'Zio doc flops', 'Zimbos', 'butthurt Zio doctors', 'Zionist extremists', 'demons', and 'gronks'.
Dr Martinez also reshared a video to her Instagram account which includes calls to 'end Zionism' and 'from the river to the sea, Palestine will be free'.
The complaint also referred to a comment she published on a post justifying the doxxing of 600 Jewish creatives, in which she wrote: 'Nothing but facts'.
The complaint, obtained by Sky News, urges the minister to 'reconsider' Dr Martinez's appointment, alleging her conduct is a violation of NSW Health's 'zero-tolerance policy on antisemitism and poses significant moral and legal risks to survivor safety'.
'Dr Martinez's social media activity… exhibits deep antisemitic bias masked as anti-Zionism, demonstrates bullying behaviour toward[s] detractors through mocking and potential doxxing, and reveals an inability to manage conflict constructively, rendering her unfit for this critical leadership role,' the complaint reads.
'Her antisemitic bias, bullying behaviour and confrontational approach risk alienating Jewish [sexual assault] survivors, who may fear hostility, deterring them from seeking services.'
The letter calls on Minister Park to revoke Dr Martinez's appointment, refer the doctor to the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency and make a public statement.
Dr Martinez was appointed to the role as department head on February 20, a position meant to last for an initial period of five years.
She is also a GP for national mental health charity Headspace.
Dr Jeremy Goldin from advocacy group Alliance Against Antisemitism in Healthcare says Dr Martinez's language is concerning for someone in her role.
'I believe that this is a significant conflict of interest and for the sake of the hospital, the service, the staff that are under Dr Martinez but, in particular, those patients who are coming in to see Dr Martinez in the context of their sexual assault – for them, there is no option other than for the hospital to step Dr Martinez down pending an investigation into all of this,' Dr Goldin said.
Dr Goldin said he was particularly concerned about patients who happened to be Jewish or pro-Israel, based on Dr Martinez's inflammatory posts.
'There is really a concern that these health professionals are not advocating; rather, they are being activists and activism in medicine is unhealthy," Dr Goldin said.
When contacted by Sky News, Dr Martinez said: 'No response, thank you.'
A Sydney Local Health District spokesperson said the district does 'not comment on matters relating to individual staff members'.
'Sydney Local Health District supports a safe and healthy workplace to enable our staff to provide the highest quality of care to their patients and their loved ones,' the spokesperson said.
Mr Park did not respond to a request for comment.
When Bankstown Hospital nurses Rashad Nadir and Sarah Abu Lebdeh were stood down by NSW Health and charged earlier this year, after video went viral of them bragging about killing and refusing to treat Israeli patients, the minister apologised to the Jewish community.
'I say to the people of NSW, but in particular the Jewish community , I as the New South Wales health minister am so verey sorry that you're having to deal with this this morning,' Mr Park said.
'There is no place in our hospital and health system for this sort of view to ever take place.'
Sky News this week revealed another Australian doctor, Melbourne obstetrician Dr Miranda Robinson, had withdrawn her court application for a personal safety intervention order against a Sydney midwife who had made claims of racism and anti-Semitism against her, following this outlet broadcasting a story about the case.
Fresh complaints about Dr Robinson are currently being considered by the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency and the Australian Human Rights Commission about the specialist's social media posts.