27 February 2026

The Board met via Zoom on 27 February 2026, noting that it had previously resolved that meetings should currently occur remotely due to psychosocial safety considerations.

An independent Board observer was present to support respectful conduct during the meeting and to assist in monitoring adherence to the interim psychosocial risk controls adopted by the Board. These controls were implemented following concerns raised regarding the conduct and safety of Board interactions.

During the meeting, Dr Sharmila Chandran was warned on multiple occasions regarding compliance with the Board’s agreed meeting protocols and interim psychosocial controls. Following a third warning, Dr Chandran was placed in the virtual waiting room.

The Board discussed ongoing delays in finalising Board minutes in line with the Board requests, external legal advice and AICD guidance on minute taking, noting that these delays have created challenges for the management team to carry out the Board’s strategy, and now College’s auditors as they prepare the financial statements for the upcoming Annual General Meeting.

The Board also considered governance arrangements relating to the Company Secretary function.

The Board expressed concern about delays in the progression and resolution of certain internal complaints processes. The Board requested that the CEO present a plan to the March Board meeting outlining steps to bring outstanding matters to resolution efficiently and fairly.

The Board also discussed organisational risks arising from the unauthorised disclosure of confidential Board materials to external parties, including the media. The Board noted that such disclosures create significant legal, financial and reputational risks for the College and cause distress to staff.

Following Dr Chandran’s repeated use of the media to raise internal College matters including confidential Board matters, Dr Chandran was invited to address the Board.

Dr Chandran declined that invitation.

The Board also noted that a Director and member have used the membership database to engage communications, some of which have been misleading.

The Director and member concerned have been asked to cease the communications of concern; the College and individual members harmed by these inappropriate emails reserve their rights on this matter.

Board Solidarity is a fundamental principle in Australian board governance.  It is critical to maintaining board trust and integrity.  Collective responsibility for decision-making is also entrenched in the College’s Board Charter, which requires that board discussions be treated as confidential, even if a board decision is not unanimous.

The Board acknowledged the interim psychosocial risk controls that have been implemented to support respectful and constructive Board interactions.

While the measures introduced would ordinarily be expected to ensure good and safe Board dynamics, the Board noted that challenges in current Board interactions have continued despite these controls. The Board intends to provide members with further information regarding the review into psychosocial wellbeing in Board processes.

The CEO also informed the Board of concerns raised by staff regarding distress caused by the disclosure of confidential employment information in recent media reporting. The Board reiterated its commitment to protecting the wellbeing and confidentiality of College staff and addressing the leaking of confidential board papers.

The Board received management advice regarding a query from the College Trainees’ Committee concerning the possible video recording of divisional clinical examinations. Privacy, confidentiality and logistical considerations were identified as key issues requiring careful review. The Board noted that the College is undertaking a broader program of examination renewal aimed at strengthening validity, reliability, safety, standards, equity, diversity and financial sustainability. Examination recording will be considered as part of that broader review process.

The Board also noted receipt of a requisition seeking an Extraordinary General Meeting. The CEO has been asked to obtain independent advice regarding the validity of the requisition, including verification of signatures, and compliance with the requirements of the College Constitution. Should the requisition be confirmed as valid, the College will proceed in accordance with the timelines and procedures set out in the Constitution.

The Board notes that Dr Sharmila Chandran has withdrawn her Fair Work application concerning the College and Professor Jennifer Martin.