Sydney Psychiatrist Gopi Ilawala Allowed to Continue Practicing Despite Sexual Assault Finding

June 15, 2026

Psychiatrist Gopi Ilawala has been permitted to continue practicing after being found guilty of sexually assaulting an intoxicated colleague during a 2022 gathering at his home. The woman was reportedly heavily intoxicated and lying on a bed when the incident occurred. A court found him guilty in 2024, although no conviction was formally recorded.

New South Wales' health complaints regulator sought to have the doctor's registration cancelled, arguing that the seriousness of the conduct required strong action to maintain public confidence and deter similar behavior by other practitioners. However, the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal chose not to remove his licence.

Instead, the tribunal issued Ilawala a reprimand. The panel cited his remorse, lack of prior convictions, and support from two colleagues. Ilawala had already lost several employment contracts and his Working With Children clearance, but is now working part-time in facilities serving disadvantaged patients and asylum seekers.

(Emily Baker, "Sydney psychiatrist Gopi Ilawala allowed to continue practising after sexual assault conviction, ABC, June 11, 2026)