25 June 2026

Dear members,

Last week, the newly constituted Board of The Royal Australasian College of Physicians met for the first time over two days in the RACP boardroom at 145 Macquarie Street, Sydney.

The first day on 24 June, was dedicated to Director induction, providing new Board members with the information and context necessary to fulfil their governance responsibilities.

It also gave Directors the opportunity to meet many of the College's senior leaders and gain a deeper appreciation of the expertise and commitment of the staff who support the College's work every day.

Throughout the induction there was a positive spirit of collegiality among Directors and College staff.

That is an important foundation for how this Board intends to work together. We are committed to respectful discussion, thoughtful decision-making and a shared focus on the interests of the College and its members.

The second day, on 25 June, was the Board's first formal meeting.

The RACP is emerging from a prolonged period of significant turbulence, attracting the attention of three external regulators – SafeWork NSW, the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC), and the Australian Medical Council. While addressing those matters remains important, this Board is focused on the work ahead.

In terms of makeup of the board, the ACNC has used its statutory powers to appoint Susan Pascoe AM as Independent Interim President and Chair. The ACNC has also appointed Elizabeth Jameson AM as an Independent Director to chair Board meetings should Susan be unavailable. Dr Julian Kelly has been elected President-elect.

Together with our colleague Directors, we will focus on strengthening good governance practice around the Board table, ensuring appropriate oversight and clear accountability, while empowering management to manage the College and deliver on its strategic and operational priorities.

The voice of the College on all clinical matters, whether arising through the media, other external channels, or engagement with members and volunteers will be President-elect, Dr Julian Kelly.

The Board was briefed on progress on the College’s Strategy and progress in complying with the SafeWork NSW Improvement Notice regarding strengthening the College’s governance framework and improvement of behavioural accountability mechanisms.

Directors were briefed on the Indigenous Strategic Framework and rollout of the Cultural Safety program.

We noted the business has continued making progress in delivering the 2026 Operational Plan with a strong focus on risk management. The College’s digital transformation program, TRELLiS, is progressing well towards launch in January 2027.

We approved a new pathway to Fellowship in Addiction Medicine for those who have completed Basic Physician Training, leading to the award of FRACP plus FAChAM, subject to relevant AMC and MCNZ approvals.

The Board resolved the appointment of:

• Elizabeth Jameson and Professor Tissa Wijeratne to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Committee
• Dr Nixon Chan to the College Education Committee and College Trainees’ Committee
• Adjunct Associate Professor Tony Sasse and Adjunct Professor Susan Pascoe AM to the Finance and Risk Management Committee, joining Dr Nicholas Buckmaster who is already on the Committee
• Professor Tissa Wijeratne, Adjunct Professor Susan Pascoe AM and Elizabeth Jameson to the People, Culture and Remuneration Committee
• Dr Julian Kelly to the College Policy and Advocacy Committee and the Appeals Committee
• Subject to Bylaw amendment, Adjunct Associate Professor Tony Sasse to the Technology Committee, joining Dr Nicholas Buckmaster who is already on the Committee.

The Board agreed on the importance of re-establishing the professional foundations and reputation of the College.

We are thus committed to exemplary governance, maintaining a strong professional culture, and working collectively in the best interests of the College.

To this end, we are pleased to report that from our first meeting all present treated one another with dignity and respect, even when expressing quite opposing views.

We look forward to updating you all as our work progresses.

Adjunct Professor Susan Pascoe AM
Independent Interim President and Chair
The Royal Australasian College of Physicians

Dr Julian Kelly
President-elect
The Royal Australasian College of Physicians