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Charity Regulator Suspends Medical College President-Elect
19 May
Summary
- President-elect suspended until September 20, 2026, due to safety directive non-compliance.
- RACP faces leadership limbo following ongoing internal conflict and regulatory action.
- SafeWork NSW cited risks to psychological health and safety from alleged staff contact.
Dr. Sharmila Chandran, the president-elect of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians (RACP), has been suspended by the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC). This suspension is effective until September 20, 2026, and prevents her from serving as a responsible person for the registered charity. The ACNC's decision follows advice from SafeWork NSW, which indicated that Dr. Chandran's alleged failure to comply with a directive not to contact RACP staff posed immediate risks to their psychological health and safety.
The RACP has been experiencing considerable internal conflict within its board. This turmoil led to an extraordinary general meeting last month, which required police intervention. The college is now in a state of leadership limbo, with Dr. Chandran's upcoming presidency uncertain. Previously, SafeWork NSW had issued a prohibition notice on May 5, directing board members to cease communication with RACP staff, with an exception for the chief executive.
Despite these directives, the ACNC stated that Dr. Chandran continued to communicate with RACP staff in writing, contravening the prohibition notice. The regulator has warned that if the RACP cannot demonstrate adherence to governance obligations by the end of the suspension period, further action may be taken. Adjunct Prof. Susan Pascoe has been appointed as the interim board chair to guide the college during this period.
