The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) has written to the health regulator expressing concern over a growing number of doctors being subjected to frivolous or vexatious complaints about social media posts opposing Israel's war in Gaza.
In a letter to the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (Ahpra) on 14 August, RACGP president Dr Michael Wright said multiple members who had publicly expressed views on the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Gaza had been reported. The resulting investigations had tied up doctors for months but had not led to disciplinary action.
The college asked Ahpra to fast-track the assessment and finalisation of such complaints, and to make a proactive statement on its complaint information page clarifying that expressing personal views on social media is not reportable. It also reiterated longstanding concerns about prolonged investigations and their toll on practitioners' mental health.
The issue has gained attention after high-profile physician Dr Stephen Parnis stepped down as chair of the Medical Insurance Group of Australia's board, reportedly in response to concerns about his Gaza-related posts. A letter-writing campaign in his support questioned whether Miga would support members targeted by vexatious complaints. Miga's acting chair, Prof Owen Ung, said the organisation respected members' rights to express personal views.
Ahpra's social media guidance states that practitioners will not be investigated purely for holding or expressing views, and gives examples such as advocating a peaceful resolution of conflict or protecting health workers. An Ahpra spokesperson confirmed receipt of the letter and said notifications had been made about practitioners covering a range of political views, including allegations of antisemitism and Islamophobia, and that each case was being reviewed quickly.
