Partner of former Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk, Reza Adib has matter heard in court for first time
Well-known surgeon Dr., who is a partner of former Queensland premier Annastacia Palaszczuk, Reza Adib’s case was heard for the first time in the Gold Coast court.
Adib faces allegations of rape and sexual assault. He did not appear in Southport Magistrates’ Court on Thursday but was represented by solicitor Dan Rogers.
Adib, 65, allegedly sexually assaulted a woman in her 30s at her flat in Burleigh Heads on March 30.
His charges include three counts of rape, two counts of deprivation of liberty and one count of sexual assault.
Adib’s waterfront flat in Goodwin Terrace was raided by police earlier this month; Adib appeared at Southport police station a day later.
Following the accusations, Adib’s lawyer, Dan Rogers, said the surgeon maintains his innocence.
“Dr Adib is shocked by the allegations made against him and takes the matter very seriously,” Rogers said in a statement after Adib was charged.
“Like anyone accused of a crime, he is presumed innocent and intends to vigorously defend the charges.
“At this time, Dr. Adib is primarily concerned with the well-being of his family and patients and will do whatever is necessary to ensure they are cared for in the coming weeks.”
Adib, a surgeon specializing in bariatric procedures, has been regularly photographed with Palaszczuk at various high-profile events such as Logies and film premieres since their relationship began in 2021.
The accusations were made as Palaszczuk promoted her autobiography The Politics of Being Me. He later canceled two book tour stops as news of his partner’s case emerges.
Adib, who set up his own bariatric clinic in Brisbane in 2004, was nominated as co-chairman of the Wesley Hospital Center of Excellence in Bariatric Surgery in 2017.
Uniting Care, which runs Wesley Hospital, told this imprint earlier this month that Adib was not currently accredited to perform surgery at the hospital.
Cloe Read is the Brisbane Times’ crime and courts reporter.Connect with: X or email.
