The Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC) has suspended Dr Sharmila Chandran, president-elect of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians (RACP), until 20 September 2026, over an alleged health and safety breach. The suspension follows a SafeWork NSW prohibition notice that directed board members not to contact RACP staff, which Chandran allegedly violated.
SafeWork NSW advised that Chandran’s continued communication with staff posed “immediate and serious risks” to their psychological health and safety. The ACNC stated that despite warnings, Chandran persisted in writing to staff in contravention of the notice.
The suspension leaves the RACP in leadership turmoil. Chandran had been due to become president after an annual general meeting on 29 May, but the outgoing president, Professor Jennifer Martin, was ousted early in a contentious vote in April, during which Chandran’s husband called police.
The RACP board has agreed to work with the ACNC to meet governance standards and ensure a safe workplace. Adjunct Professor Susan Pascoe, the inaugural charities commissioner, has been appointed interim board chair.
The RACP, with over 32,000 members in Australia and New Zealand, has faced months of internal conflict, described by some doctors as a “royal mess”. The college will not comment further due to ongoing regulatory and legal processes.
