Perth child sex case widens as court hears paediatrician may have up to nine alleged victims
A Perth paediatrician accused of child sex offences will stay behind bars for now after a magistrate refused to move on bail without more detail on what police say was found in his consulting rooms.
Chia Liang Saw, 41, appeared in Perth Magistrates Court by videolink from Hakea Prison on Monday, June 8, in a case that has landed hard because of where the allegations sit: inside the rooms of a doctor who worked with children.
The court heard police are still investigating and believe there may be eight, possibly nine alleged victims. Prosecutors told the court child interviews were being carried out this week, and that there were also allegations outside the workplace.
Saw had worked as a paediatrician specialising in behavioural issues affecting children, with locations in Midland and Nedlands. He was charged last month after police accused him of sexually assaulting a patient at work.
Magistrate Janelle Scutt said the allegations included hidden cameras in an examination room said to have captured sexual offending. Defence lawyer Alex Smith told the court the prosecution case involved allegations that recordings were made in consulting rooms.
The bail application did not proceed. The magistrate said she wanted more information before considering release, including material relevant to the strength of the allegations. Saw showed no reaction during the brief appearance.
At this stage, Saw has been charged with one count of engaging in sexual conduct with a child under 16 and one count of possessing child exploitation material. The alleged offending spans 2023 to 2026. He has not been found guilty of any offence, and the charges remain before the court.
The Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency has suspended Saw’s medical registration, meaning he cannot practise in Australia while that suspension remains in place. The suspension is not a finding of guilt.
The next court date is June 19. Until then, the case sits in the ugly gap between allegation and proof, with detectives still interviewing children and the court still waiting for the brief that may decide whether bail is even argued.
For families, the immediate facts are narrower than the fear around them. Police have put allegations before a court. The medical regulator has moved to stop Saw practising. Investigators are still working through possible victims and possible locations. What comes next will depend on evidence, not rumour.
Support is available through 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732, Bravehearts on 1800 272 831, Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800 and Lifeline on 13 11 14.
Sources: ABC News court report by David Weber, updated Monday, June 8, 2026; AAP report on the Perth Magistrates Court appearance; Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency registration action as reported by ABC. Image: Western Australian Police Force vehicle, LuvsMG481/Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0.