12 February 2026
Dear Fellows and trainees,
Many of you will have received a communication overnight making allegations about governance matters within the College.
The Board is concerned that your email addresses were used for the purpose of sending the email, which occurred without the Board’s knowledge or approval.
We recognise that the issues raised may cause concern, and we write to provide reassurance regarding the stability and governance of the RACP.
A number of serious claims have been made, which need immediate correction.
Risk controls around Board meetings and communication have been put in place. If a Director breaches those risk controls on multiple occasions, the Board will vote to allow the Director to continue attending the meeting or exclude that Director for
the remainder of the meeting. These risk controls are legal, appropriate, and proportionate.
Our IT projects are appropriately overseen by a Board Technology Committee consisting of independent, highly skilled IT and technology experts. This Committee met formally on 14 July 2025, informally to review IT project scope on 10 November 2025
before a circular resolution, and formally again on 3 February 2026. Vendor selection was the subject of a paper to the Board on 2 February 2026.
Our new five-year strategy that the College approved in December has a very strong focus on the member voice and can be seen here: Our 2026-2030 Strategic Direction.
In keeping with good management and leadership, the College’s organisational structure is being considered to ensure it has the right mix of skills and expertise to deliver the Strategy. The Board will approve any necessary changes before implementation,
as this is their role.
A nomination committee was considered by the Board but not brought to the membership as a recommendation after listening to the member voice.
We emphasise that the Board of the College operates under the RACP Constitution and applicable Australian law. All our formal decisions are made in accordance with those governing instruments and with appropriate professional advice where required.
The College maintains established processes for financial oversight, risk management, workplace conduct, and committee governance. These processes include external audit, independent advice where appropriate, and adherence to regulatory standards.
Board deliberations often involve confidential material, including personnel matters and legal advice. For this reason, it is not appropriate for the Board to engage in public commentary on individual cases or internal processes.
Members should be assured that the Board remains committed to lawful governance, transparency within proper channels, and the responsible stewardship of members’ funds.
The RACP’s financial position remains stable.
The wellbeing of staff, trainees, and Fellows remains a priority. The College has established policies and procedures for addressing workplace conduct concerns, and these processes are followed where matters are raised.
We understand that public disagreement within elected leadership can be unsettling.
In addition, a confidential Board report into employment matters has been leaked to the media. The Board acknowledges the report. Its recommendations have been implemented. Due to this being an employment matter, we will not be releasing the report
to the membership or making any further comment.
The Board remains focused on ensuring institutional continuity, supporting our members, and upholding the standards expected of a medical college.
Members who have specific governance questions are encouraged to direct them through established College channels.
We thank you for your continued commitment to the RACP and to the patients and communities you serve.
Kind regards,
Professor Jennifer Martin on behalf of the Board.