18 May 2026
Dear Members
We are writing to update you regarding recent actions taken by the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC) in relation to governance of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians.
The ACNC has advised the College (PDF) that effective immediately, Dr Sharmila Chandran has been suspended as a responsible person, and therefore a Director and member of the Board of the RACP, until 20 September 2026. For this period, she also ceases to be President-elect.
The RACP board agrees to work with the ACNC to meet its obligations under the ACNC Governance Standards and to provide a safe workplace for its employees and volunteers.
The Board also welcomes the ACNC Commissioner’s appointment of Adjunct Professor Susan Pascoe AM as an Acting Responsible Person and interim Chair of the Board to assist the RACP to address the ACNC’s concerns.
Adjunct Professor Pascoe is a highly experienced governance leader with extensive experience across the education, charity and public sectors. The Board and management welcome her appointment and will work constructively with her to support stability, continuity and good governance across the organisation.
Current Board Directors recognised by the ACNC are Dr Nicholas Buckmaster, Associate Professor Janak de Zoysa and Adjunct Professor Susan Pascoe.
Professor Jennifer Martin is not recognised as a member of the Board.
The College’s priority remains the continued delivery of its core responsibilities, including physician training, examinations, accreditation, education, advocacy and member services.
The Board remains committed to:
- restoring stability and confidence in the governance of the College
- supporting the wellbeing and safety of staff, volunteers and members
- cooperating with all regulatory processes
- ensuring the College remains focused on its purpose and responsibilities to the community.
The Board will meet shortly to discuss implications for the outcome of the 22 April Extraordinary General Meeting, the RACP Annual General Meeting on 29 May and the formal appointment of new Directors following recent College elections. We will update members as soon as possible.
SafeWork NSW’s improvement and prohibition notices remain in force, and the ACNC’s investigation of the RACP will continue.
As these matters remain subject to ongoing regulatory and legal processes, the College will not comment further on specific details at this time.
We thank members for their professionalism, patience and continued commitment to the College and the communities we serve.
Yours sincerely
Adjunct Professor Susan Pascoe AM
Interim Independent Chair of the Board
Dr Nicholas Buckmaster FRACP
Honorary Treasurer and Member Director
Associate Professor Janak De Zoysa
Aotearoa New Zealand President and Member Director