Private ambulance boss, (former) director of paramedic college in court for fraud

Michael Anthony Smith of Terranora, New South Wales is a man who ought to have known better.

UPDATE (1552 22.04.2026) - I was contacted by the Court registry at 1301 on 22.04.2026 who advise that this matter has been relisted for a Callover on 14 May 2026. A Callover in Queensland is similar to a Mention in NSW (usually nothing beyond pleas entered, quick motions, another adjournment etc.)

Mr Smith began his career as a paramedic with NSW Ambulance, a role he reportedly maintained in a casual capacity until recently. He remains registered with AHPRA (PAR0002251106) and is the director of Medical Rescue Pty Ltd, a private medical company operating across multiple jurisdictions. He was also a founding member of the Australasian College of Paramedicine.

Through that company, Mr Smith holds licences in several states to obtain, possess, and administer drugs of addiction. These are not routine permissions. They are granted on the basis of trust, regulatory compliance, and strict adherence to record-keeping obligations.

That context matters.

On 11 March 2026, Mr Smith was charged by the Queensland Police Service with six counts of forgery and one count of fraud. At the time of writing, the precise nature of the alleged dishonesty has not been publicly detailed. It is unclear whether the allegations relate to drug records, financial or corporate documents, or patient medical records.

Each of those possibilities carries serious implications.

Under the Criminal Code 1899 (Qld), forgery involving documents of legal or regulatory significance, such as medical records, controlled drug registers, or corporate documents, can attract a maximum penalty of 7 years’ imprisonment per count (s 488). Whether sentences would ultimately be served concurrently or cumulatively is a matter for the court, but the theoretical exposure is substantial (7 - 42 years prison maximum).

The fraud charge carries a maximum penalty of 14 years’ imprisonment, increasing to 20 years where the value exceeds $100,000.

The absolute maximum sentence, if convicted on all counts, would be 14 - 62 years.

It is important to emphasise that these proceedings are at an early stage. No full brief of evidence has been released publicly, and the factual matrix underpinning the charges remains unknown. The alleged conduct could fall anywhere on a spectrum from administrative dishonesty through to serious, systemic misconduct. The number of charges however suggests this was not a one off simple mistake in judgement.

Even so, the situation raises legitimate regulatory questions.

Given the nature of the allegations, it is notable that, at least at the time of writing, there has been no apparent suspension or cancellation of Medical Rescue Pty Ltd’s drug authorities.

Equally, AHPRA has not imposed any immediate restrictions on Mr Smith’s registration. Regulators often act conservatively at early stages, but where allegations concern integrity in relation to controlled substances, record-keeping, or patient care, interim measures are not uncommon.

Mr Smith is due to appear at Southport Magistrates Court later this morning (22 April 2026) for his first mention. The matter will likely progress through the usual procedural stages before any substantive issues are ventilated. I am unable to attend the Southport Court as I have a separate matter to attend today, but I doubt anything of substance will be decided today. I will however aim to cover these proceedings as they develop.

As always, Mr Smith is entitled to the presumption of innocence.

However, it is also fair to observe that individuals entrusted with controlled drugs, significant financial responsibilities, and direct patient care operate within a framework where integrity is not optional. It is foundational. Allegations of this nature, if proven, go to the heart of that trust.

The coming proceedings will determine whether that trust was misplaced, or whether these charges ultimately fail to be made out.