Dr Moroney allegedly conducted a female health test on a patient on October 10 at the Ely Street Clinic and did not use gloves, and police seized photos of alleged inappropriate photos of female patients on November 30.

Police have now been working through contacting 19 potential victims and a Victoria Police spokeswoman said the investigation was ongoing.

“Since Tuesday, detectives from the Wangaratta Sexual Offences and Child Abuse Investigation Team and Sexual Crimes Squad have spoken to a number of the identified victims linked to the GP at the Ely Street practice,” she said.

“They are continuing to work through that process. 

“A number of other women have also contacted police with a range of queries and reports following the announcement in relation to the investigation.

“Detectives will now assess that information and conduct further enquiries where appropriate.

“A 68-year-old Wangaratta man has been charged with sexual assault and capture intimate image, and bailed with conditions to appear at Wangaratta Magistrates Court on September 10.”

Wangaratta lawyer John Suta told Fairfax Media on Tuesday he had been contacted by patients of the doctor in relation to potential civil action.

“He has been well respected and it has been a huge shock,” Mr Suta said.

The Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency was sent a series of questions regarding the case and why a suspension was not enacted until January.

While the agency could not confirm the alleged offender’s identity, chief executive Martin Fletcher said the agency had been cooperating with Victoria Police to support its investigation since concerns were raised with the agency in October 2017.

“Victoria Police asked us to not contact the health practitioner and practice until after their warrant was executed,” he said.

“The police executed their warrant on November 30.

“Material seized from executing the warrant needed to be analysed by the police for evidence.  

“We need evidence to act so we needed their analysis. We first received information on January 5 and further information on January 8.

“We suspended a practitioner in relation to the investigation by Victoria Police on 22 January 2018 (having accepted an enforceable undertaking from him not to practise from 10 January 2018).

“He remains unable to practice anywhere in Australia.

“Further regulatory action will proceed in the context of a concurrent criminal investigation.

“It is unlikely we will be able to conclude our enquiries until the conclusion of police activity.”

Asked broadly speaking what would warrant a GP being banned permanently from practising, Mr Fletcher said “only tribunals have the power to cancel a medical practitioner’s registration, if they find the practitioner guilty of professional misconduct as defined in the National Law”.

“If anyone has concerns that their medical practitioner is not meeting their obligations, please let us know,” he said.

“We take the concerns we receive seriously and urge them to contact AHPRA on 1300 419 495.”

Anyone with information about this case should contact Crime Stoppers or Wangaratta Police (03) 5723 0888.

Centre Against Violence can offer support and can be contacted on (03) 5722 2203.

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