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Charities Regulator Suspends President-Elect of Royal Australasian College of Physicians for Allegedly Violating Workplace Safety Direction

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"The suspension follows advice from SafeWork NSW that Chandran's alleged continued communication with RACP staff... posed immediate and serious risks to staff psychological health and safety."

RACP President-Elect Suspended Until 2026 Over Safety Breach

The Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC) announced on Monday that it has suspended Dr. Sharmila Chandran as a responsible person of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians (RACP) until 20 September 2026. The suspension follows advice from SafeWork NSW that Chandran's alleged continued communication with RACP staff, in contravention of a prohibition notice, posed immediate and serious risks to staff psychological health and safety.

Background

  • The RACP is a registered charity and one of Australia's oldest medical colleges, representing over 32,000 physicians.
  • Chandran was president-elect and scheduled to become president after an annual general meeting on 29 May.
  • The suspension leaves the RACP in leadership uncertainty.

Key Events

March: The RACP was found to have contravened workplace health and safety laws. SafeWork NSW issued a notice stating the college did not adequately manage the risk of harmful behaviour within board operations.

5 May: SafeWork NSW issued a prohibition notice directing board members to refrain from communicating with RACP staff, except for the chief executive. The ACNC stated that Chandran was advised of her obligations but persisted in writing to staff in contravention of the prohibition notice.

August: The RACP board passed a vote of no confidence in Chandran, accusing her of adversarial and disrespectful behaviour contributing to a toxic culture.

September 2024: Chandran lodged an anti-bullying order with the Fair Work Commission against RACP and then-President Prof. Jennifer Martin. She later dropped the case.

April: An extraordinary general meeting, run by Chandran, resulted in Martin being ousted five weeks early. Chandran's husband called NSW police during that meeting.

March & April: The RACP board had previously requested the ACNC to dissolve the board.

Regulatory Actions

  • The ACNC appointed Adjunct Prof. Susan Pascoe as interim board chair.
  • The suspension lasts until 20 September 2026.
  • Thereafter, the ACNC may extend the suspension, seek removal of Chandran, or take other regulatory action if governance obligations are not met.
  • The RACP board stated it agreed to work with the ACNC to meet governance standards and provide a safe workplace.

Statements

Chandran declined to comment on her suspension.

The RACP board, in an email to members, confirmed the suspension and said it would not comment further due to ongoing regulatory and legal processes.