GP practices enforcing mask mandates are on safer legal ground after a court rejected discrimination allegations lodged against a GP and practice that barred two patients who refused to wear masks in the waiting room, a medical defence organisation says.  

Avant says it has been supporting multiple doctors who have been threatened with legal action from patients refusing to abide by practice mask rules. 

While most complaints have been withdrawn, a Brisbane GP and receptionist were dragged to court by two patients who claimed the practice’s mask mandate amounted to discrimination. 

When the patients refused to mask up, claiming they had an impairment, staff at the Ashgrove Clinic last year told the patients to stay outside the waiting room until called in for an appointment.