At the RACP EGM on 22 April, members had the opportunity to express their confidence regarding the current President’s continuation as a Board Director. The motion to remove the president as a director was passed. This was an important demonstration of member engagement in the governance of our College.
At the same time, proposals have been raised to amend the Constitution so that a vote of the Board alone could remove the President or President-Elect from the Board of Directors.
There has also been discussion about introducing new pathways where self-selected fellows would influence who may stand for election to senior leadership positions within the College. This is unnecessary and undemocratic.
In my view, the current Constitution of the RACP is working well. It ensures that the ultimate authority rests with the membership. Members have just exercised that authority at the EGM. There is no need to alter the RACP governance arrangements to allow a small group of Board Directors to remove other Directors, including the President or President-Elect, by internal vote.
Under Australian Corporations law, removal of Directors or Presidents is a matter for the full membership or shareholders. I believe this principle is sound and is the right way to run an association such as the RACP. Members should always have the final say.
There is much to be hopeful about, and better days lie ahead for the college.
Philip Morris AM
FAChAM(RACP)