RACGP not proceeding with Extraordinary General Meeting to amend President’s term

Having sought feedback regarding a proposed constitutional amendment that would have allowed current President Dr Harry Nespolon to remain in his role until 2021, the RACGP will not be going ahead with a potential Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM).
 
‘Faculty Councils were consulted and feedback from the council meetings was presented to the RACGP Board this week,’ Board Chair Christine Nixon told newsGP.
 
‘Overwhelmingly, councillors have been very supportive of the work Dr Nespolon has been undertaking to advocate for the membership throughout his term, but particularly in more recent times.
 
‘We took this proposal to the Faculty Councils, as it had become clear stability was required following the departure of a long-serving CEO, the bushfires and COVID-19.
 
‘However, following the feedback from the Councils, legal advice and other considerations, the Board has decided not to proceed with the EGM to temporarily amend the RACGP constitution.

‘I appreciate the considered and thoughtful feedback from councillors on this matter.
 
‘We’ll now press ahead with RACGP President, Censor-in-Chief and other elections in late July, ahead of an Annual General Meeting in late November 2020.’

Ms Nixon previously told newsGP that the college considered the amendment due to the unprecedented changes in healthcare brought about by multiple events in 2020.
 
‘The summer’s bushfires and devastating COVID-19 pandemic have changed the way we live our lives and run our workplaces. We are all being forced to adapt and it hasn’t been easy,’ Ms Nixon said.
 
Had the EGM gone ahead, a vote would have required 75% or more of the membership to be in favour of extending Dr Nespolon’s term.
 
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