''MDA'' is an Australian television series that aired between 2002 and 2005 on the
Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC). It concerned the day-to-day operation of legal firm MDA, which specialised in medical defence.
Synopsis
The title refers to the firm Medical Defence Australia, a team of lawyers and doctors who defend doctors charged with
malpractice
In the law of torts, malpractice, also known as professional negligence, is an "instance of negligence or incompetence on the part of a professional".Malpractice definition,
Professionals who may become the subject of malpractice actions inc ...
, ranging from
Botox
Botulinum toxin, or botulinum neurotoxin (commonly called botox), is a neurotoxic protein produced by the bacterium ''Clostridium botulinum'' and related species. It prevents the release of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine from axon endi ...
injections gone wrong to
spinal cord
The spinal cord is a long, thin, tubular structure made up of nervous tissue that extends from the medulla oblongata in the lower brainstem to the lumbar region of the vertebral column (backbone) of vertebrate animals. The center of the spinal c ...
injuries. The firm operates by collecting annual subscriptions from doctors, rather than on a case-by-case fee basis.
The main characters in the pilot episode included Dr Louella "Ella" Davis, the moral centre of the firm whose passion lies equally distributed between her work at St Albans Hospital Emergency Ward, and defending doctors; "Happy" Henderson, a lawyer whose nickname can be greatly misleading; Dr Jamie Lawless, an optimistic young doctor whose passion for helping others often leads him to inner conflict; Caitlin King, the new law recruit at MDA whose ambitions far exceed what she can do at the firm; Layla Young of the
Bahá'í faith, the friendly receptionist; Dr Tony McKinnon, a doctor who works with Ella at the hospital; and Richard Savage – the cutthroat plaintiff's advocate who often does battles with MDA.
''MDA'' premiered in 2002 during a downturn in the making of Australian television. Despite critical acclaim and a number of awards, initially no renewal was made after the second season (2003). A year later, the ABC ordered another 12 episodes for 2005, but by this time several key actors had moved on. More multi-episode story arcs were used and critical response was lukewarm. Although sentiment eventually warmed, the series was not renewed after the third season.
Season 1
In the opening episodes, Ella faced personal problems when her lover Nick wished to move out of the country, and she often discussed these with her sister Edwina, but those characters quickly faded into the background. Edwina did return, for one episode, in the second season.
The first episodes did not draw impressive ratings, and the critics were ambivalent, but by the eighth episode – "Bowels, Bosch and the Whole Damn Thing", in which Happy faced health problems – Jamie fell for Wendy Rossi, a doctor facing manslaughter, and Caitlin began to consider working with Richard instead of MDA – the show began to gain attention.
Other notable characters of the first season were Helena, a prosecutor whose lack of ability often led to comic relief moments; Claudia, Richard's sardonic barrister; Giles, the amiable old barrister contracted to MDA; Dr Vince Phillips, a doctor on the MDA board whose desire to take over led to a legal battle; and Dr Mark Matthews, the head of the MDA board.
In the final episodes of the season, Ella and Tony became victims of a civil suit which led to them facing considerable press exposure. They were found not guilty, but in the final moments of the season finale, ''Divine intervention'', angry plaintiff Debbie Shanahan drove her car directly at Jamie, Tony and Ella, and the audience was left to wonder who had survived.
Season 2
Although the ratings had been average, ''MDA'' was granted a second season.
The second season improved markedly from the first season, tightening storylines and scripts. The season opened with the episode "Eternity" in which Tony died on the operating table, and Caitlin moved to Richard Savage's firm. Caitlin gets off to a bumpy start with the MDA when she becomes involved with Justin Harris (a man secretly under investigation for murder, played by
Jeremy Callaghan). After Justin is cleared he feels that there is no trust in their relationship and leaves Caitlin.
Two new characters joined: Amanda McKay, a legal case manager; and Simon Lloyd, a doctor joining MDA. Amanda and Simon's relationship evolves as a will-they-or-won't-they? couple of the show, with the risk increased due to his wife who worked abroad. By season's end they were a couple, but were still easing into it.
Significant season two storylines included the destruction of Jamie and Wendy's relationship, Dr Phillips' increasing efforts to become head of MDA, and the potential destruction of MDA itself as he attempts to incite a revolution against the firm, Caitlin and Richard's personal and professional fighting, Layla's grandmother getting closer to death, and Happy dealing with his son Jason.
In the second half of the season, Caitlin was written out of the show, as the producers decided her character had run its course. Kerry Armstrong also decided to leave – because the low Government funding for the arts in Australia under the Howard conservative government (often criticised within the industry) meant that appearing on one television show was not a sustainable income. Ella, subsequently, took a full-time posting at St. Albans' as Head of Emergency and only appeared occasionally during the latter half of season 2, making her final appearance in the penultimate episode "Pas de deux".
Despite increased audience size, critical response, and award nominations, the ABC made no official announcement of the show's renewal. The final episode, "Memento Mori", aired on 17 December 2003.
While it was no surprise that the ABC did not make an immediate announcement about the show's fate – many Australian television series will often miss a year due to actor's schedules and production demands – it was eight months before an announcement was made. During this time, Jason Donovan and Felix Nobis both moved on to other projects.
Season 3
In August 2004, the ABC finally announced its new commitment: a 12-episode order, which would air as three four-hour miniseries in 2005. While the order was small, the renewal meant that ''MDA'' was the only series to have started in 2002 which was still on the air as of 2005.
The third season began on 30 June 2005, and was greeted with lacklustre ratings, despite an impressive guest cast. Critical response, initially negative, warmed as the season progressed, to the point where it was largely positive.
* Episodes 1–4: ''Second chance.'' Facing a separation from his wife, Happy becomes enamored of a brilliant
geneticist
A geneticist is a biologist or physician who studies genetics, the science of genes, heredity, and variation of organisms. A geneticist can be employed as a scientist or a lecturer. Geneticists may perform general research on genetic process ...
, Dr Robyn Masterson (
Sigrid Thornton
Sigrid Madeline Thornton (born 12 February 1959) is an Australian film and television actress. Her television work includes ''Prisoner'' (1979–80), '' All the Rivers Run'' (1983), '' SeaChange'' (1998–2019) and '' Wentworth'' (2016–2018) ...
) whose controversial experiments are in danger of being shut down. While Happy's personal feelings lead him to champion her cause, he begins to discover that all is not as it seems. Meanwhile, Amanda investigates a separate case regarding Dr Masterson's lab assistant Julia (
Anita Hegh); and Layla, Mark and Jamie fear for Happy's wellbeing.
Aaron Blabey
Aaron Blabey (born 1 January 1974) is an Australian author of children's books, and a former actor.
He is the creator of three best-selling children's series; ''Pig the Pug'' – a picture book series about a rude, selfish, mean-spirited littl ...
also stars as Dr Masterson's assistant. As incident after incident befalls Robyn's team, she blames outside forces but some suspect that she herself isn't being honest with MDA, and ultimately Happy is forced to make the choice between his relationship with Robyn and the good of the company.
Nicholas Hammond
Nicholas Hammond (born 15 May 1950) is an American and Australian actor and writer who is best known for his roles as Friedrich von Trapp in the film '' The Sound of Music'' and as Peter Parker/Spider-Man in the 1970s television series ''The Am ...
also guest stars in this episode.
* Episodes 5–8: ''Departure lounge.'' With Jamie on holiday, MDA take on a temporary case manager, Dr Andrew Morello (
Vince Colosimo
Vincenzo Colosimo is an Australian stage, television and screen actor. He has worked in both Australia and the United States. He is of Italian descent and lives in Melbourne, Australia. He was previously married to Australian actress Jane Hall ...
), an anaesthetist with strong suspicions about the high rate of infant deaths at his hospital. So when he and Amanda assist Ted Walsh (Terry Brady), a prominent doctor with similar suspicions, Morello begins to investigate – which leads him to suspect prominent
cardiologist
Cardiology () is the study of the heart. Cardiology is a branch of medicine that deals with disorders of the heart and the cardiovascular system. The field includes medical diagnosis and treatment of congenital heart defects, coronary artery di ...
Rupert Carr (
Frank Gallacher
Frank Gallacher (7 April 1943 – 23 February 2009) was a Scottish-Australian actor.
Early life
Gallacher was born in Glasgow in 1943. In 1962, aged 19, he was working in London when his parents and younger sister decided to emigrate to Austra ...
). As Morello confides in Happy, he begins attempting to stop Carr's practices without coming out and speaking his mind, which will ultimately result in the end of both their careers. When Andrew goes up on his own charges, Happy recalls Jamie back to MDA so that Andrew can be dismissed. As everyone including MDA turns against him, news about his wife Lucy (
Jane Allsop) ultimately compels Andrew to make a final decision. Meanwhile, Amanda goes up against Gabrielle Bromley (
Wendy Hughes
Wendy Hughes (29 July 19528 March 2014) was an Australian actress known for her work in theatre, film and television. Her career spanned more than 40 years and established her reputation as one of Australia's finest and most prolific actors. I ...
), a fierce prosecuting attorney.
* Episodes 9–12: ''A human cost.'' Happy has a sudden
angina
Angina, also known as angina pectoris, is chest pain or pressure, usually caused by insufficient blood flow to the heart muscle (myocardium). It is most commonly a symptom of coronary artery disease.
Angina is typically the result of parti ...
attack, and while in an outer suburban hospital befriends
intern
An internship is a period of work experience offered by an organization for a limited period of time. Once confined to medical graduates, internship is used to practice for a wide range of placements in businesses, non-profit organizations and g ...
Dr Liz Gibson (
Lisa McCune
Lisa McCune (born 19 February 1971) is an Australian actress, known for her role in TV series ''Blue Heelers'' as Senior Constable Maggie Doyle, and in ''Sea Patrol'' as Lieutenant Kate McGregor RAN. She has won four Gold Logie Awards.
McCune ...
). The next day, Gibson becomes the subject of a medical negligence writ. Concerned that her boss, Meg Morrison (
Louise Siversen
Louise Siversen is an Australian actress. She is known for her television roles, including Lou Kelly in ''Prisoner'' (1984–1986), Debbie in '' The Flying Doctors'' (1988–1990), and 2012-2017 Heather Looby in '' House Husbands''. She has a ...
), and her nemesis, nurse Chloe Davis (
Jacinta Stapleton
Jacinta Patrice Stapleton (born 6 June 1979) is an Australian actress. Best known for her role as Amy Greenwood in the Australian television soap opera ''Neighbours'' from 1997–2000, 2005 and 2020–2023). Her most notable role was playing u ...
) are teaming up against her, Liz seeks Happy's assistance. Even though both Amanda and Liz herself have doubts about her competence, Happy stands by her. However, when Jamie and Layla discover just how understaffed and incompetently run Prospect Valley Hospital is, they realise that someone might be making Liz a scapegoat to cover up greater crimes. Elsewhere, Amanda goes up against a Health Review Board manager, David Simpson (
Erik Thomson
Erik Thomson is a Scottish-born New Zealand-Australian actor. He is known for playing Hades in the television series '' Hercules: The Legendary Journeys'', '' Xena Warrior Princess'' and '' Young Hercules'', Dr. Mitch Stevens in '' All Saints' ...
) in court, only to find herself in a passionate relationship with him outside of work. But when she learns that he may be behind the plot to convict Liz, Amanda is put into a devastating
conflict of interest
A conflict of interest (COI) is a situation in which a person or organization is involved in multiple wikt:interest#Noun, interests, financial or otherwise, and serving one interest could involve working against another. Typically, this relates t ...
. Things come to a head when Liz and her boyfriend – fellow intern Dr Tim Whitney (
Paul Bishop) – must both be protected against the schemes at the hospital, and as Happy fights with Amanda over the case, his health takes a serious turn for the worse.
Cast
Main cast
*
Shane Bourne
Shane Jerome Bourne (born 24 November 1949) is an Australian stand-up comedian, actor, musician, and television host.
Early life and education
Shane Jerome Bourne was born on 24 November 1949 in Melbourne, Victoria. He was raised by his mot ...
as Bill 'Happy' Henderson
*
Angus Grant as Dr Jamie Lawless
*
Petra Jared as Layla Young
*
Angie Milliken
Angie Milliken is an Australian actress.
Early life
Milliken was born and raised in the western suburbs of Brisbane, Queensland, Australia to a musical family. She played the French horn and competed in athletic sprinting events from the age o ...
as Amanda McKay (2003–05)
*
Kerry Armstrong
Kerry Michelle Armstrong (born 12 September 1958) is an Australian actress and author. She is one of only two actresses to win two Australian Film Institute Awards in the same year, winning Best Actress in a Leading Role for ''Lantana'' and ...
as Dr Louella 'Ella' Davis (2002–03)
*
Jason Donovan
Jason Sean Donovan (born 1 June 1968) is an Australian actor and singer. He initially achieved fame in the Australian soap ''Neighbours'', playing Scott Robinson, before beginning a career in music in 1988. In the UK he has sold over 3 millio ...
as Richard Savage (2002–03)
*
Alice McConnell as Caitlin King (2002–03)
*
Aaron Pedersen as Dr Tony McKinnon (2002 + first episode of season 2)
*
Felix Nobis as Dr Simon Lloyd (2003)
Guests
*
Aaron Blabey
Aaron Blabey (born 1 January 1974) is an Australian author of children's books, and a former actor.
He is the creator of three best-selling children's series; ''Pig the Pug'' – a picture book series about a rude, selfish, mean-spirited littl ...
as Luke Rodman, Dr Masterson's assistant (2005, 4 episodes)
*
Ailsa Piper as Dr Carol Westerman (2003, 1 episode)
*
Alan Hopgood
Alan John Hopgood AM (29 September 1934 – 19 March 2022), also known as Alan Hopwood, was an Australian actor, producer, and writer. He wrote the screenplay for the 1972 film '' Alvin Purple'' and made appearances in television shows such as ...
as Dr Hugo Willard (2002–03)
*
Alex Papps
Alex Papps (born 11 February 1969) is an Australian actor, television host, writer and singer.
Early life
Papps was born in Melbourne in 1969, to Apollo Papps who, though identifying as Greek, was born in Cairo, and a mother of English and Jew ...
as Dr Hamish McGregor (2002, 1 episode)
*
Alexandra Schepisi as Edwina 'Ed' Davis (2002–03)
*
Amanda Douge
Amanda Douge (born December 1976) is an Australian actress, best known from various television and feature film roles.
Early life and education
Douge was born in Melbourne in 1976, and studied law at Melbourne University (1993). She has a Ma ...
as Lucy Carlton (1 episode)
*
André De Vanny
André Guy Foreman De Vanny (born 14 September 1984) is an Australian actor, who starred in the television series ''Wicked Science
''Wicked Science'' is an Australian television series, which debuted on 24 February 2004. The series focuses ...
as Joshua Tranter (2003)
*
Anita Hegh as Julia Delvecchio, Dr Masterson's lab assistant (2005, 4 episodes)
*
Belinda Giblin
Sue Belinda Giblin (born 2 March 1950) professionally billed as Belinda Giblin, is an Australian actress who has played prominent roles in theatre and television soap operas, and several feature films.
Giblin's television roles include Kay Webs ...
as Renae Samon (1 episode)
*
Bernard Curry
Bernard Curry (born 27 March 1974) is an Australian actor, best known for his role as Jake Stewart in '' Wentworth'', Luke Handley in ''Neighbours'' and Hugo Austin in ''Home and Away''.
Early life
Alongside his actor brothers Stephen and And ...
as Troy Dalmer (2003, 1 episode)
*
Bob Baines
Bob Baines (born 1952) is an Australian actor. He has starred in many television shows including '' State Coroner'' opposite Wendy Hughes as Clive Trimble, '' Water Rats'' and ''Home and Away
''Home and Away'' (''H&A'') is an Australian ...
as Murray Trench (2 episodes)
*
Dan Paris
Daniel Paris (born 15 June 1973) is an Australian actor and photographer. He is best known for playing the role of Drew Kirk in the Australian soap opera ''Neighbours''.
Early life
Paris was born in Perth, Western Australia. In 1980, when he ...
as Nathan (2003, 1 episode)
*
Daniella Farinacci as Dr Wendy Rossi (2002–03)
*
David Clencie
David Clencie is an Australian actor. He made his debut aged 14 in the children's television series ''Sam's Luck''. He was cast in the lead role of Sam Parkes, after impressing the producer while auditioning for the ABC network. He then appeared ...
as Jack Panogeas (2002, 1 episode)
*
Elena Mandalis
Elena Mandalis (), also known as Elle Mandalis, is an Australian television, film and stage actress of Greek descent.
She is known for her roles in Ana Kokkinos' films '' Only the Brave'' (1994) and '' Head On'' (1998), both of which explore th ...
as Tina Morello (2002, 1 episode)
*
Erik Thomson
Erik Thomson is a Scottish-born New Zealand-Australian actor. He is known for playing Hades in the television series '' Hercules: The Legendary Journeys'', '' Xena Warrior Princess'' and '' Young Hercules'', Dr. Mitch Stevens in '' All Saints' ...
as David Simpson
*
Frank Gallacher
Frank Gallacher (7 April 1943 – 23 February 2009) was a Scottish-Australian actor.
Early life
Gallacher was born in Glasgow in 1943. In 1962, aged 19, he was working in London when his parents and younger sister decided to emigrate to Austra ...
as Rupert Carr (4 episodes)
*
Gareth Yuen as Dr Angus Yu (2 episodes)
*
Georgina Naidu as Siobhan Ray (1 episode)
*
Greg Stone
Gregory "Greg" Jonathon Stone (born 23 June 1961 in Perth, Western Australia) is an Australian actor who has appeared in films, television and on stage.
Early life
Stone was born in Perth, Western Australia to parents Roy and Jennifer Stone a ...
as Dr Garth Carmody (1 episode)
*
Helen Thomson as Nerida Bailey (2 episodes)
*
Ian Rawlings
Ian Rawlings (born 9 March 1959) is an Australian actor. He is best known for his long-running roles in soap operas '' Sons and Daughters'' and ''Neighbours''. He also appeared in the short-lived serial '' The Power, The Passion''.
Early life
Ra ...
as Paul (2003, 1 episode)
*
Jacek Koman as Dr Mikhail Varonio (1 episode)
*
Jacinta Stapleton
Jacinta Patrice Stapleton (born 6 June 1979) is an Australian actress. Best known for her role as Amy Greenwood in the Australian television soap opera ''Neighbours'' from 1997–2000, 2005 and 2020–2023). Her most notable role was playing u ...
as Nurse Chloe Davis (2005)
*
Jack Phillpotts as Eddie Delaney (2003)
*
Jane Allsop as Lucy
*
Jeremy Callaghan as Justin Harris (2003)
*
Jeremy Stanford
Jeremy Stanford is an Australian actor and director, known for his role of Tick/Mitzi in the initial stage run of the musical ''Priscilla, Queen of the Desert''.
Career
In 2001, Stanford played Matthew Gallagher in season 2 of children's series ...
as Dr Tim Hawthorne (2002–2003, 6 episodes)
*
John McTernan
John McTernan (born 1959) is a British political strategist and commentator. He has been a political adviser to the Labour Party.
McTernan was Prime Minister Tony Blair's Director of Political Operations from 2005 to 2007. He then worked on ...
as Dr Michael Forsythe (2002)
*
Jonathon Dutton
Jonathon Dutton (born 13 August 1981) is an Australian actor and director. From 1998 to 2002, Dutton played Tad Reeves in ''Neighbours''. He later returned to the show as a director. Dutton has also appeared in '' MDA'', '' Two Pints of Lager a ...
as Brett Ferris (2003, 1 episode)
*
Lisa McCune
Lisa McCune (born 19 February 1971) is an Australian actress, known for her role in TV series ''Blue Heelers'' as Senior Constable Maggie Doyle, and in ''Sea Patrol'' as Lieutenant Kate McGregor RAN. She has won four Gold Logie Awards.
McCune ...
as Dr Liz Gibson (intern) (2005, 4 episodes)
*
Louise Siversen
Louise Siversen is an Australian actress. She is known for her television roles, including Lou Kelly in ''Prisoner'' (1984–1986), Debbie in '' The Flying Doctors'' (1988–1990), and 2012-2017 Heather Looby in '' House Husbands''. She has a ...
as Meg Morrison (2005, 4 episodes)
*
Mandy McElhinney
Mandy McElhinney (born 9 September 1970) is an Australian actress best known for playing Rhonda in AAMI insurance advertisements. She appeared on the sketch comedy television series, '' Comedy Inc.'', from 2003 to 2006. She appeared as Gina Ri ...
as Helena (2002–03)
*
Matthew Le Nevez
Matthew Le Nevez (born 10 January 1979) is an Australian actor. He is best known for his roles as Doctor Patrick Reid in the TV series ''Offspring'', Detective Brian Dutch in the Tasmanian Gothic sci-fi television show '' The Kettering Incident ...
as Sam Livingstone (2002, 4 episodes)
*
Michael Carman as Dr Mark Matthews
*
Michele Fawdon
Michele Fawdon (1947–2011) was an English-born Australian actress and singer. She is known for her roles in TV serials ''Matlock Police'' (1971–1974), '' The Unisexers'' (1975) and '' A Country Practice'' (1980, 1985, 1992). In 1979 she won ...
as Cynthia Morice (2 episodes)
*
Nell Feeney as Elise Fenton (2002, 1 episode)
*
Nicholas Bell
Nicholas Bell (born 15 August 1958) is an English actor who has worked in Australia for more than 30 years.
Bell works regularly with the Melbourne Theatre Company as well as with all the major television broadcasters in Australia, most notabl ...
as Oliver Maudson (2002, 2 episodes)
*
Nicholas Hammond
Nicholas Hammond (born 15 May 1950) is an American and Australian actor and writer who is best known for his roles as Friedrich von Trapp in the film '' The Sound of Music'' and as Peter Parker/Spider-Man in the 1970s television series ''The Am ...
as Dr Nick Standish (2004, 4 episodes)
*
Nicki Paull as Dr Karen Hill (1 episode)
*
Nina Landis
Nina Landis is an Australian stage and screen actress, who trained in Australia and New York.
Early life
Landis studied drama at Flinders University, Adelaide in the mid to late 1970s.
Career
Landis' feature film credits include the title ...
as Claudia Monserrat (2002–03)
*
Paul Bishop as Dr Tim Whitney (intern)
*
Peta Brady
Peta Brady (born 1972) is an Australian actress, known for her role as Cody Willis in ''Neighbours''.
Early life
Brady first gravitated towards acting and writing during her high school years, where she wrote some scenes for a school producti ...
as Melissa Morrice (2003, 2 episodes)
*
Rebecca Frith as Fran Griffin (2003, 3 episodes)
*
Sam Healy as Martine Fallon (1 episode)
*
Rhys McConnochie
Rhys McConnochie (born 28 December 1936) is a New Zealand-born actor, director and educator based in Australia.
Career
Film & television
His screen appearances include the TV miniseries ''Bodyline'' as Pelham Warner and '' Darlings of the ...
as Giles Jones, QC (2002–03)
*
Richard Morgan as Dr John Baldwin (1 episode)
*
Robert Taylor as Paul Bennett (2002)
*
Sarah Chadwick as Dr Sarah Christie (2003, 1 episode)
*
Sigrid Thornton
Sigrid Madeline Thornton (born 12 February 1959) is an Australian film and television actress. Her television work includes ''Prisoner'' (1979–80), '' All the Rivers Run'' (1983), '' SeaChange'' (1998–2019) and '' Wentworth'' (2016–2018) ...
as Dr Robyn Masterson (2005, 4 episodes)
*
Simon Stone
Simon Stone (born 19 August 1984) is an Australian film and theatre director, writer and actor.
Early life
Stone is Australian, but was born in Basel, Switzerland and grew up in Cambridge and Melbourne. His father, Stuart Stone, was a biochemis ...
as Jason Henderson (2002–03)
*
Stephen Kearney as Dr Vince Phillips (2002–03)
*
Steve Mouzakis
Steve Mouzakis is an Australian film, television and theatre actor. He is known for his role in the Spike Jonze film ''Where the Wild Things Are'', Van Gogh in ''Prison Break'', Steven Ray in the film '' The Suicide Theory'', and performing alon ...
as Bart Saunders (2003, 1 episode)
*
Steven Vidler as Nick Clarke (1999, 3 episodes)
*
Suzi Dougherty
Suzi is an English nickname for people with names such as Susan, Suzanne, Susanna or Susannah.
Notable people with the name include:
* Suzi Battersby
* Suzi Digby
* Suzi Ferrer (1940–2006), US/Puerto Rican visual artist and feminist
* Suz ...
as Debbie Shanahan (2002–03)
*
Terence Donovan as Eric Savage (2003)
* Terry Brady as Dr Ted Walsh
*
Tim Burns as Tom Cusack (2002)
*
Tim Rogers as Joel (2005, 1 episode)
*
Tracy Mann
Tracy Mann is an Australian actress and voice artist. After appearing in a number of television series, she won an Australian Film Institute award in 1980 for the film '' Hard Knocks'' . She has also won awards for her work in the mini-seri ...
as Penny Silvani (2003, 1 episode)
*
Vince Colosimo
Vincenzo Colosimo is an Australian stage, television and screen actor. He has worked in both Australia and the United States. He is of Italian descent and lives in Melbourne, Australia. He was previously married to Australian actress Jane Hall ...
as Dr Andrew Morello (2005, 4 episodes)
*
Wendy Hughes
Wendy Hughes (29 July 19528 March 2014) was an Australian actress known for her work in theatre, film and television. Her career spanned more than 40 years and established her reputation as one of Australia's finest and most prolific actors. I ...
as Gabrielle Bromley
Awards
* 2002 – Nominee –
Australian Film Institute Awards
The Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts Awards, known as the AACTA Awards, are presented annually by the Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts (AACTA). The awards recognise excellence in the film and television industr ...
– Best Drama Series
* 2002 – Nominee –
Australian Film Institute Awards
The Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts Awards, known as the AACTA Awards, are presented annually by the Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts (AACTA). The awards recognise excellence in the film and television industr ...
– Best Actor –
Shane Bourne
Shane Jerome Bourne (born 24 November 1949) is an Australian stand-up comedian, actor, musician, and television host.
Early life and education
Shane Jerome Bourne was born on 24 November 1949 in Melbourne, Victoria. He was raised by his mot ...
* 2002 – Nominee –
Australian Film Institute Awards
The Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts Awards, known as the AACTA Awards, are presented annually by the Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts (AACTA). The awards recognise excellence in the film and television industr ...
– Best Supporting Actor – Angus Grant
* 2002 – Nominee –
Australian Film Institute Awards
The Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts Awards, known as the AACTA Awards, are presented annually by the Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts (AACTA). The awards recognise excellence in the film and television industr ...
– Best Actress –
Kerry Armstrong
Kerry Michelle Armstrong (born 12 September 1958) is an Australian actress and author. She is one of only two actresses to win two Australian Film Institute Awards in the same year, winning Best Actress in a Leading Role for ''Lantana'' and ...
* 2003 – Nominee –
Australian Film Institute Awards
The Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts Awards, known as the AACTA Awards, are presented annually by the Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts (AACTA). The awards recognise excellence in the film and television industr ...
– Best Screenplay –
Bill Garner, ''episode: "Crossing the Line"''
* 2003 – Nominee –
International Emmy Awards
The International Emmy Awards, or International Emmys, are part of the extensive range of Emmy Awards for artistic and technical merit for the television industry. Bestowed by the New York–based International Academy of Television Arts and Sc ...
– Best Drama Series
* 2003 – Winner –
Australian Film Institute Awards
The Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts Awards, known as the AACTA Awards, are presented annually by the Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts (AACTA). The awards recognise excellence in the film and television industr ...
– Best Drama Series
* 2003 – Winner –
Australian Film Institute Awards
The Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts Awards, known as the AACTA Awards, are presented annually by the Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts (AACTA). The awards recognise excellence in the film and television industr ...
– Best Actor –
Shane Bourne
Shane Jerome Bourne (born 24 November 1949) is an Australian stand-up comedian, actor, musician, and television host.
Early life and education
Shane Jerome Bourne was born on 24 November 1949 in Melbourne, Victoria. He was raised by his mot ...
* 2003 – Winner –
Australian Film Institute Awards
The Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts Awards, known as the AACTA Awards, are presented annually by the Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts (AACTA). The awards recognise excellence in the film and television industr ...
– Best Actress –
Angie Milliken
Angie Milliken is an Australian actress.
Early life
Milliken was born and raised in the western suburbs of Brisbane, Queensland, Australia to a musical family. She played the French horn and competed in athletic sprinting events from the age o ...
* 2004 – Winner –
Australian Cinematographers Society
The Australian Cinematographers Society (ACS) is a not-for-profit organisation founded in 1958 for the purpose of providing a forum for Australian cinematographers to further develop their skills through mutual co-operation.
History
The Austral ...
– Award of Distinction –
Graham Brumley – ''episode: "A Bird in the Hand"''
* 2005 – Winner –
Australian Film Institute Awards
The Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts Awards, known as the AACTA Awards, are presented annually by the Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts (AACTA). The awards recognise excellence in the film and television industr ...
– Best Actor in Television –
Shane Bourne
Shane Jerome Bourne (born 24 November 1949) is an Australian stand-up comedian, actor, musician, and television host.
Early life and education
Shane Jerome Bourne was born on 24 November 1949 in Melbourne, Victoria. He was raised by his mot ...
* 2005 – Winner –
Australian Film Institute Awards
The Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts Awards, known as the AACTA Awards, are presented annually by the Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts (AACTA). The awards recognise excellence in the film and television industr ...
– Best Supporting Actress in Television –
Anita Hegh
Releases
The ABC released online seven-day rental copies of series one and two under its ABC Digital label.
[ABC Shop Search for MDA](_blank)
/ref>
See also
* List of Australian television series
Future shows
Seven
Nine
*''The Golden Bachelor'' (reality, 2025)
*''The Floor'' (game show, 2025)
*''Château DIY Australia'' (lifestyle, 2025)
Network 10
* ''Airport 24/7'' (reality, 2025)
* ''Ghosts Australia'' (comedy, 2025)
* ...
References
External links
*
Official Website
''MDA'' – "Second Chance"
at Australian Screen Online
The National Film and Sound Archive of Australia (NFSA), known as ScreenSound Australia from 1999 to 2004, is Australia's audiovisual archive, responsible for developing, preserving, maintaining, promoting, and providing access to a national c ...
{{DEFAULTSORT:Mda (Tv Series)
APRA Award winners
Australian Broadcasting Corporation original programming
Australian medical television series
2002 Australian television series debuts
2005 Australian television series endings
Television shows set in Melbourne
Television series by Screentime