Pediatrician hit with more child abuse charges
Perth pediatrician Chia Liang Saw, 41, faces a total of 33 charges involving child sexual abuse after police identified nine additional alleged victims. Dr. Saw, a resident of Wembley, was first charged in May and remains in custody at Hakea Prison on remand. The Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency has suspended his medical registration following the allegations, which cover incidents reported between 2023 and 2026 across Nedlands, Wembley, Midland, and West Leederville.
Dr. Saw’s professional background included roles as a consultant pediatrician at St John of God hospitals across Perth and as a clinical lecturer at Curtin University, according to his LinkedIn profile.
What are the latest charges against Dr. Saw?
Police have filed an additional 31 charges against Dr. Saw, bringing his total to 33. The new charges include seven counts of indecent dealings with a child under 13 years, seven counts of producing child exploitation material, and six counts of indecent dealings with a child over 13 and under 16 years. Furthermore, he faces five counts of indecently recording a child under 16, four counts of indecently recording a child under 13, and one count each of sexual penetration of a child over 13 and under 16, and intent to procure a person believed to be under 16 for sexual activity. These are in addition to his previous charges of sexual conduct with a child and possession of child exploitation material.
Samantha Carter notes that the expansion of charges from two initial counts to 33 indicates a broadening investigation as authorities identify further alleged victims. The transition from clinical practice to incarceration, coupled with the suspension of medical registration, highlights the severe regulatory and legal consequences triggered when pediatric care providers face allegations of this nature.
What happens next in the legal process?
Dr. Saw is scheduled to appear at the Perth Magistrates Court this Friday for a bail application. While he has been held on remand since his initial arrest in May, the court will determine whether he will remain in custody while the legal proceedings continue. Detectives have requested that anyone with information regarding these or similar incidents contact Crime Stoppers to assist with the ongoing investigation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where did the alleged incidents occur?
According to police, the 33 charges relate to alleged incidents occurring in Nedlands, Wembley, Midland, and West Leederville between 2023 and 2026.
Is Dr. Saw still practicing medicine?
No. The Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency has suspended Dr. Saw’s registration following the allegations.
How many victims have been identified?
Following the initial charges filed in May, police identified nine more children who alleged that Dr. Saw sexually assaulted them.
How can the healthcare community better ensure patient safety through more rigorous oversight of medical practitioners?