Police called to embattled medical college board meeting
Police were called to a board meeting of one of Australia’s largest medical schools on Wednesday after the president-elect allegedly tried to hold his own hearing to remove the college president before the subject of the vote and other directors were present.
Responsible for the training and accreditation of more than 33,000 doctors in 33 specialties in Australia and New Zealand, the Royal Australasian College of Physicians is chaired by Professor Jennifer Martin and her elected successor, Dr. It has been in turmoil for months due to the ongoing dispute between Sharmila and Chandran.
Martin wanted to align the organization’s constitution with other colleges that separated the roles of president and chairman of the board, but faced stiff opposition from the new president, Chandran, and his supporters.
In a memorandum sent to members Wednesday afternoon, the board of directors called for honorary treasurer Dr. After Nicholas Buckmaster was appointed chairman of the meeting, Chandran allegedly spoke about Buckmaster and “didn’t stop.”
Chandran allegedly staged a livestream of the meeting “to focus the cameras on him” before moving the meeting to a closed room where Buckmaster, the university’s CEO, other executives or the university’s interim corporate secretary were not present.
Members who watched the meeting online were later watching the video feed of the meeting led by Chandran. The result announced at the meeting conducted by CorpVote was 54.5 percent in favor of Martin’s dismissal and Chandran’s appointment as chairman of the board.
“Martin was not given the opportunity to speak to members even though the person subject to the vote was present nearby,” the board said in a statement.
The board said it was seeking legal advice on the validity of the meeting, which it believed was held improperly.
“The board has serious concerns about the constitutionality of this meeting, the breach of the Companies and WHS Acts, the breach of the principles of natural justice and the conduct shown by Dr. Chandran,” the statement said.
“The meeting was not held in accordance with our board charter and the results were not properly reviewed and the board believes the votes were invalid.”
Chandran, who will take over as president in May, said the statement released Wednesday afternoon was “inaccurate and completely and utterly inappropriate.”
“It’s not from the board… it’s the board, I’m the chairman right now,” he said.
“RACP is a member organization. Members have spoken.”
Chandran said he contacted the Australian Charities and Not-for-Profits Commission to inform him that Martin was no longer the university’s chief executive.
The board statement stated that Chandran’s husband called the police to the meeting.
Chandran confirmed that this was the case, saying that he was intimidated.
NSW Police confirmed they were called to an office on O’Connell Street at around 10.30am on Wednesday.
“Police interviewed several people and determined no crime had been committed,” they said.
Angus Thomson is a health reporter for The Sydney Morning Herald.Connect with: X or email.
