Australian psychologist Jason Ewing Suspended 8 Years For Sexualized Conduct with Children

April 13, 2026

The Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) has cancelled the registration of Australian psychologist Jason Ewing and barred him from practicing for eight years after finding he engaged in serious professional misconduct, including inappropriate and sexualised behavior toward young children in his care. The decision, issued April 9, 2026, follows a referral from the Psychology Board of Australia, which investigated Ewing’s conduct while he worked as a school counsellor between 2014 and 2017.

In its ruling, the tribunal found multiple allegations proven, including that Ewing engaged in inappropriate and sexualised conduct toward two primary school-aged girls during counselling sessions. It also found that he failed to notify the Board of a criminal charge within the required timeframe and later made a false or misleading declaration about his criminal history when renewing his registration. These actions were deemed to constitute professional misconduct under Australia’s health practitioner regulatory framework. However, a separate allegation that Ewing knowingly possessed child abuse material was not proven, with the tribunal concluding the evidence could not establish that he was aware of the images found on a device.

The tribunal emphasized that Ewing’s conduct represented a serious breach of trust and professional standards expected of psychologists, particularly given his role working with vulnerable children. As a result, it imposed significant sanctions under the Health Practitioner Regulation National Law. Ewing was formally reprimanded, had his registration cancelled, and was disqualified from reapplying for registration for eight years. He is also prohibited from providing any health services—including counselling—unless he is re-registered in the future. The tribunal further scheduled proceedings to determine whether Ewing will be required to pay the Board’s legal costs.

The case originated from multiple investigations, including earlier police inquiries and workplace investigations into allegations raised by students. Although criminal charges related to alleged possession of child abuse material were ultimately withdrawn, the professional regulator pursued disciplinary action based on broader concerns about Ewing’s conduct and compliance with reporting obligations. Notably, Ewing did not participate in the final tribunal hearing, which proceeded in his absence after the tribunal determined he had been properly notified.

Source: Psychology Board of Australia v Ewing [2026] Victoria Civil and Administrative Tribunal 242 (9 April 2026), AustLII.