RACGP reveals AGM voting outcomes

On the eve of the official opening of the GP25 conference, around 100 RACGP members gathered at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre, on Turrbal and Jagera Country, joined by several members online, to vote on the future direction of the college.
 
The 68th RACGP Annual General Meeting (AGM) took place on 13 November, where members voted on important changes via two Ordinary Resolutions and eight Special Resolutions to amend clauses in the RACGP Constitution.
 
Dr Michael Wright officially opened the AGM for his first time as RACGP President.
 
Alongside fellow RACGP Board members and CEO Georgina van de Water, Board Chair Dr Siân Goodson then presented her report, reflecting on a year of ‘significant progress and renewed strategic direction’ for the college.
 
‘Over the past year, we’ve achieved important milestones that demonstrate both the strength and capability of our college,’ she said.
 
‘We also committed to a broader governance review to be undertaken in partnership with our members.’
 
The RACGP’s Future Governance Committee undertook a range of consultations and meetings with members on the proposed changes to the Constitution. The Committee’s review resulted in several proposed constitutional changes, which Dr Goodson said will help to ensure the college remains GP-led and ‘guided by the right balance of clinical, operational and strategic expertise’. 
 
These proposed changes are what members were invited to vote on.
 
Following presentation of the financial report, Dr Wright presented his report – giving an overview of the current landscape of general practice and the college’s advocacy work to support members and patients.
 
‘As we look to the year ahead, I believe we do so with a clearer vision than ever of our place in Australia’s health system,’ he said.
 
‘We are the front line, the constant connection in people’s lives, and the foundation on which a healthier Australia is built.
 
‘We’ll keep working to strengthen the relationship between our college and our members – to make sure every GP feels supported, represented and proud to be part of this profession.’
 
Dr Wright and Dr Goodson then presented the resolutions for members to vote on – both in person and online. Votes were counted, and the outcomes of each resolution are detailed below.
 
Ordinary Resolution 6.1: Directors’ remuneration for Financial Year 2027
To consider and pass the following motion as an ordinary resolution, requiring 50% of those who vote to be in favour of the item:
‘The total amount available to remunerate directors is $962,248, including superannuation, for the 2026–27 financial year (1 July 2026 to 30 June 2027), but excluding the President’s remuneration.’
 
Yes = 1158
No = 537
 
Ordinary Resolution 6.2: President’s remuneration
To consider and pass the following motion as an ordinary resolution, requiring 50% of those who vote to be in favour of the item:
‘The total amount available to remunerate the RACGP President in performing the constitutional duties of the President is $348,628, including superannuation, effective from the 2025 AGM to the 2026 AGM.’
 
Yes = 1299
No = 429
 
Special Resolution 7.1: Three-year terms for Directors
Yes = 1289
No = 244
 
Special Resolution 7.2: Director Eligibility Requirements
Yes = 1201
No = 308
 
Special Resolution 7.3: Six-year maximum terms
Yes = 1315
No = 181
 
Special Resolution 7.4: A Director can’t be an Employee
Yes = 1319
No = 167
 
Special Resolution 7.5: President-Elect
Yes = 1345
No = 138
 
Special Resolution 7.6: Censor-in-Chief
Yes = 1236
No = 229
 
Special Resolution 7.7: Company Secretary
Yes = 1356
No = 95
 
Special Resolution 7.8: Miscellaneous and Administrative Charges
Yes = 1369
No = 85
 
Dr Goodson welcomed the results of the outcomes.
 
‘I’m really delighted these motions passed, that we’ve got the message across to the membership of what we want to achieve, and they’ve agreed with our resolutions,’ she told newsGP.
 
‘And I really want to credit the Future Governance Committee for their efforts and a genuine member consultation through this process.’
 
The 68th Board of Directors was confirmed as unchanged from the current Board.
 
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Annual General Meeting future governance GP25 RACGP AGM RACGP Constitution