An unsuccessful board attempt to remove the RACP president-elect has left members wondering why the board wants to try again.
The Royal Australasian College of Physicians was keeping quiet today despite social media turmoil about the continued plan to hold another extraordinary general meeting on 26 November, despite a total rejection of three proposals presented last week.
On Friday a decade-high turnout was recorded for an EGM which voted on proposed constitutional amendments, and the proposed removal of president-elect Dr Sharmila Chandran, and director Dr Nick Buckmaster.
All three proposals were voted down convincingly by the membership:
- A total of 5275 (56.11%) members voted against separating the roles of president and board chair of the college.
- A total 5180 (64.86%) members voted against removing Dr Chandran as director and president-elect.
- A total 4440 (73.56%) members voted against removing Dr Buckmaster as director.
“A heartfelt thank you for your support, kind words and constant messages of encouragement,” Dr Chandran said via LinkedIn.
“This, after all, is what being part of a medical college truly means: standing together in unity and moving forward in solidarity for the future of our college.
“These [voting results] represent the highest voter turnouts in the past decade and a clear demonstration of our members’ engagement and trust in the need for a member-led, member focused organisation.
“It is now time to rebuild.”
Another EGM is still locked into the RACP calendar for 26 November, which has drawn criticisms, given that it again asks for Dr Chandran’s removal.
Each of these meetings also has a $250,000 price tag attached which has been attributed to the need for contracting the voting website Corpvote to prevent voter interference.
“EGMs are strongly controlled by the Corporation Act,” Dr Chandran said via Reddit.
“Unfortunately, there is nothing in the corporation act that limits a member ability to call as many EGMs as they may wish – not yet!
“As I said in my EGM statement – is this is conduct aligned with our college’s values and mission?
“This is a question that members should reflect on.”
The two EGM calls for Dr Chandran’s ousting have both been linked to Dr John O’Donnell, who called for both EGMs in a span of 16 days.
“It is publicly known that Dr O’Donnell called an EGM against three directors in March 2020,” Dr Chandran said via Reddit.
“At the time Dr Small was running for the presidency and so was Dr O’Donnell. “Dr Small survived the EGM and won the election then.
“In 2024, I ran for presidency and so did Dr O’Donnell again. “So, yes, history keep repeating itself.”
The upcoming emergency meeting will have different requirements to the prior ousting call, needing only a simple majority to pass whereas the prior required a 75% minimum.
The RACP refused to comment when contacted by Blood Republic.
